Heavenly monarchs: why you should visit St George's Chapel, Windsor

Did you know that Henry VIII  - one of the most famous monarchs of all time - and Charles I – who famously lost his head - are buried in the same tomb? And do you know that the parents of our current Queen, Elizabeth II, are buried together at the same location?

If not, then a trip to the gothic style St George’s Chapel, in Windsor is in order. This is a magnificent place, containing the tombs of 10 monarchs and open to the public not just for exploring, but also for Church services. It may be far less well-known than Windsor castle – the oldest occupied castle in the world, which is right next to it – but you really shouldn’t miss out on the chance of a visit.

St George’s Chapel is still a working Church which runs at least three services, all open to the public, each day. It welcomes worshippers from all over the world and is an architectural wonder, full of history and beauty. It’s also full of reminders that this is a royal building and its purpose is to pray for the sovereign and the knights of the garter, the highest order of chivalry, which still exists today*.

The chapel was founded by King Edward III in 1348, but during the Wars of the Roses, in the 15^th century, Edward IV wanted it to be bigger, as well as grand enough to be his own burial place. So, he rebuilt it from 1475. And he was the first monarch to be buried there, in a tomb shared by his wife Elizabeth Woodville, which you can still see today.

There are so many things to see here, whether you choose to walk around by yourself and ask the volunteers questions, or follow an audio tour. It’s a beautiful place, with its long thin columns and light streaming in from the windows. Outside there are a number of wonderful grotesques which are meant to keep bad things away, while inside, the frieze of angels draws your eyes up (and are intended to bring your prayers upwards too!)

[caption id="attachment_3687" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Grotesques on the outside of St George's Chapel[/caption]

But in case this sounds like it wouldn’t be of interest to children, I think that’s wrong. There are so many interesting things to see here, from the sarcophagus of George V and Queen Mary, with his feet resting against a lion and hers against a unicorn, to the amazing golden altar, and there are also a number of family friendly trails to follow..

Another thing you shouldn’t miss – and which children will like too - is the sword of King Edward III, which hangs in the south quire aisle. It is a two handed sword and a huge 6ft 8. Remarkably it was made to be brought into battle, although I’m sure it would have been quite unwieldy, and it stands next to a portrait of the King who is carrying it in the picture (and using it, to pierce the crowns of both Scotland and France – then England’s enemies).

There are also a number of small chantry chapels (initially set up for saying masses for someone’s soul after they died) scattered around, which is fascinating, because these were mainly destroyed across the country during the Reformation. However, special dispensation was given so that they could continue at Windsor.

After George VI (the current Queen’s father) died, a hole was punched through a wall and a new chantry chapel built. It is very dignified, with just the names and dates of the lives of King George and his wife and a cross of gold on the altar. When you look at these, you are struck by how long Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a widow - over 50 years. The ashes of the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret, are also in this small chapel.

There is a beautiful quire in the centre of the chapel, full of seats for the Queen, Prince Charles and others in the royal family. This is where you see the flags of the members of the knights of the garter, which are all very impressive.

[caption id="attachment_3688" align="alignnone" width="1200"] There are royal reminders everywhere![/caption]

The whole place is remarkable, and has such history. Henry VII is buried here and Edward VII. There is a vault where George III, George IV and William IV are buried too.

Possibly one of the most remarkable things about the chapel is the simple black stone slab in the middle of the quire. It says that Henry VIII, Jane Seymour (his third wife, and mother of Edward VI), Charles I and “an infant child of Queen Anne” are buried there. It seems quite bizarre that they are all buried together and it wasn’t really the plan.

[caption id="attachment_3689" align="alignnone" width="1200"] St George's chapel with Windsor Castle just behind it[/caption]

In fact, Henry had a lavish tomb planned, but none of his children put it up and the sarcophagus eventually went to London, where it was used for the tomb of Admiral Horatio Nelson! So, Henry was just left there, buried below ground, waiting for his great tomb to be built. In later years, the body of Charles I was also brought here after his execution and many years later, William IV couldn’t believe there were no markings or memorial for  either of them. So, He marked it with this simple plaque. Honestly, you couldn’t make it up.

The chapel is open for visitors: Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm and for services throughout the day, from Holy Communion at 8.30 to Evensong at 5.15. On Sunday the Chapel is closed to visitors, but you are welcome to attend services.
You can enter the chapel with your ticket to Windsor Castle (which you can visit first). It costs £20.50 for an adult or £53 for two adults and three children under 17.

You can't take photographs inside the chapel - sorry!

Windsor is about 20 miles west of London, in the county of Berkshire. It is very easily accessible, and you can take a train from London (Waterloo or Paddington stations) and be there in less than an hour.

*Initially a group of knights brought together by Edward II, now it’s men and women from across the commonwealth, from Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former Director-General of MI5 to John Major, the ex Prime Minister.

More history:

Fotheringhay - where Richard III was born

The day I saw Queen Elizabeth II (by Robert)

Cupcakes and the Queen at the Rubens Hotel in London!

Jess (aged 13) writes: Over the years, our family has stayed in some beautiful places. We spent the weekend in an old prison, experienced a Disney hotel and stayed in a room where Queen Elizabeth I is said to have slept, but it was a first to go to a hotel right on the doorstep of an iconic British landmark - Buckingham Palace.

[caption id="attachment_1433" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Me and Robert outside the hotel[/caption]

The Rubens Hotel is right opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace and minutes away from Victoria station, making it a prime location for sightseeing. Robert and I were really excited to stay, as we had been told that it was a fantastic hotel for families with young children (and we couldn't wait for a delicious breakfast!)

[caption id="attachment_1434" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Everyone was kind and friendly, and made a big effort to involve the children.[/caption]

When we checked in, Robert was given a Rubens Passport and other pieces of paper to fill out. He had to write about himself and draw a picture, then get different members of staff to sign it! Robert really enjoyed this, as he enjoyed speaking to the staff. They were all exceptionally friendly, and smiled at me and Robert whenever we walked past; something that really brightened our day and does not usually happen at hotels. At the end of our stay we were given two bags of prizes containing bookmarks, jewellery, notebooks and more for completing the passport. Everything inside was lovely, and it was a nice surprise.

Our rooms were on the fourth floor, and were interconnecting. Upon entrance, we caught sight of some fresh, warm cookies which mum, dad and I devoured in seconds. There was also some delicious fruit and posh water which admittedly took longer to be finished, but were much appreciated. The rooms had large, comfy beds and massive TVs, and the bathrooms had coloured lights! There was just enough space (the rooms weren't huge), but everything was clean and appealing.

[caption id="attachment_1435" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Robert on one of the beds in our room. They were very soft and comfy![/caption]

Robert and I were both given a special kids' welcome pack, which consisted of lots of puzzle books, a map of London for kids and crayons. Although I had revision to get on with, Robert had fun completing the challenges and creating dot-to-dot pictures.

[caption id="attachment_1436" align="aligncenter" width="940"] We were given puzzle packs and maps of London to complete[/caption]

Dinner was a casual affair out of the hotel, although there was a place to eat inside of the Rubens. Soon, it was time to go to sleep, and I loved how soft our beds were.

We all had a great night's sleep, and lazily walked down to breakfast the next day. As I expected, the beautiful room was full of fruit, cereal, juice, hot food and - most importantly - pastries. I loaded my plate with blueberry and lemon muffins, pastries with custard in the middle, biscuits and fruit salad, grasped a glass of orange juice and made my way to our table; what a dream! I also enjoyed the mushrooms, hash browns and tomatoes, and was stuffed by the end of the meal. However, I know that mum was disappointed there weren't any vegetarian sausages on offer.

[caption id="attachment_1437" align="aligncenter" width="940"] I gorged on cakes, fruit and biscuits for breakfast![/caption]

As Robert is allergic to dairy, soya and eggs, it is usually difficult to find something for him to eat at hotels. However, all of the staff were really kind and friendly, by bringing him special bread, hash browns and porridge. Mum, dad and Robert really appreciated this.

Before we went back to our rooms, we decided to look out of the main window, onto Buckingham Palace. We quickly became confused, as the road was closed off and a small crowd was forming. After about five minutes of waiting, two royal carriages drove past. Someone said that one of the carriages contained Prince Phillip, but we were not sure. Mum and Robert decided to walk around to the front of the palace, where they eventually managed to see Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla and Prince Charles (I kind of regret staying inside the hotel!) Robert has written about what happened here.

[caption id="attachment_1365" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Mum and Rob saw the Queen![/caption]

We had one final thing to do before we left the hotel, and Robert and I were really excited about it. We were to take part in the Rubens Pastry Experience, which involved us putting on chef tops and hats, and going down into the kitchens below the hotel. We got to talk to the pastry chef, and found out that he had to create hundreds of pastries a day, which really surprised us. I had never considered how baking could be such a full on job before.

[caption id="attachment_1438" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Robert and I had a great time decorating cupcakes (and eating them after!)[/caption]

We got to ice chocolate cupcakes (which had been created especially so Robert could eat them) with a green frosting and to decorate them with berries, nuts and physalis - delicious! Next, we dipped strawberries in a special shiny chocolate, and left them to dry. We really enjoyed speaking to the chef and seeing what the hotel looked like from underground, and the food was obviously scrumptious. They made a really big effort with Robert's dietary needs, and he was really happy with all of the food. We also really liked the certificates they gave us, saying that we had completed the course.

Robert and I were both very disappointed to leave, as we had a fantastic time. Everyone was really friendly to us - they really take notice of kids here - and they tried to make us feel included the whole time. The food was mouth-watering and the rooms were lovely; if only we could go back for another stay...

Disclosure: We were offered a complimentary stay at the Rubens at the Palace, but all our views are very much our own.

A two night family package at The Rubens, based on two interconnecting rooms, costs from £287 per room per night, including breakfast on both mornings, the Master Chef experience, and dinner on one night in the Old Masters restaurant:

The "Kids stay eat for free" option is extended to children under 12, so for a child over 12, the breakfast and dinner are subject to a small supplement, both of which are discounted from menu price. Breakfast would be a £7.50 supplement, and the dinner which would normally be £19.50 would be £12.25.

More fabulous places to stay:

Staying in jail! The House of Correction in Folkingham

A delicious breakfast in Park Lane

The day I saw Queen Elizabeth II (by Robert)

[caption id="attachment_1360" align="aligncenter" width="940"] This is the Queen approaching the Mall before she goes onto Parliament[/caption]

Yesterday, during my half-term break from school, Mum and I decided to have a nice day out in London. We went up to the London Eye and to the National Theatre (both posts coming soon!) and then,after a long day in the boiling hot sun, we went to rest in the Rubens Hotel, which was fantastic. One of the reasons it was so great was because it is literally opposite the Royal Mews entrance of Buckingham Palace.

In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we went into the lounge which faces the Palace. Mum noticed there was no traffic on the road and lots of police officers were crowding around.

Then someone told us that it was the day the Queen was due to open Parliament and we heard a rumour that the British Monarch was soon going to leave to go to Westminster. So, we stayed in the room (called the Palace Lounge!) and anxiously peered out of the window.

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="aligncenter" width="768"] This is our view from the Rubens Hotel, of the Royal Mews[/caption]

A crowd was beginning to appear outside and soon we could see horses with carriages plodding around inside the Palace grounds.

After about ten minutes and lots of views of random horses, the gates opened. Surrounded by police from all angles, carriages left Buckingham Palace and started to begin a journey left. Nearly all of the carriages were empty except a few. Someone said one contained Prince Philip, but I am not sure.

After all the horses had gone, followed by some big cars, the crowd started to leave to walk to the front of Buckingham Palace. Not wishing to miss the possibility of seeing the Queen, Mum and I left hurriedly and followed the mob.

[caption id="attachment_1362" align="aligncenter" width="940"] It was strange to see Buckingham Palace without lots of traffic driving around it![/caption]

We came to the front of Buckingham Palace. I couldn't believe how many people were there. The queue went on forever, but it was strange because the roads were blocked off, so there was no traffic.

We stood with a clear view near the entrance, but then luckily a policeman notified us that the Queen would no be going anywhere near us if we stayed there, so we walked further up. He told us to go and stand on the Mall as she would be coming around the Fountain and then down that road.

[caption id="attachment_1364" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Someone kindly gave me a flag to wave![/caption]

For the next half an hour, soldiers with bayonets, and horses went by. Then Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, appeared in a black car with a crown on the top smiling and waving. She drove into the Palace, so perhaps she had been somewhere else that morning.

At around 10.45am we heard the national anthem playing and then a carriage came by carrying Prince Charles, the future king. Everyone cheered and he smiled. He looked very happy.

[caption id="attachment_1363" align="aligncenter" width="940"] This is Prince Charles![/caption]

Finally, at around 11am, and after lots of shouting by the soldiers in front of us, the national anthem started playing again and a golden carriage trailed after a massive group of soldiers. Inside that carriage was my monarch, the Queen.

[caption id="attachment_1365" align="aligncenter" width="940"] This is the Queen! Can you recognise her?[/caption]

She looked out of the window and did the royal wave thing. It was so cool seeing royalty.

Normally I would say something like "it was a brilliant day out" or "you should definitely go.". But I cannot really say that about this experience. However, if you go to the Rubens hotel in London, always be on the lookout. You never know who you might see.

More history:

The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London

An awesome visit to Hever Castle (with video!)