Grace Thompson
St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, is a place of worship and the final resting place of several monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII, and Charles I. It was founded in the 14th century by King Edward III and has been the site of numerous royal services, weddings, and burials. The chapel is characterised by its Gothic architecture, large windows, and slender pillars, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England. While it has strong connections to the Royal Family and the Anglican Church, it is unclear if St George's Chapel in Windsor is specifically Catholic. However, it is known for its rich history and has attracted pilgrims throughout the centuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Windsor Castle, England, United Kingdom |
| Type | Chapel |
| Architecture | Late-medieval Perpendicular Gothic |
| Style | Gothic |
| Worship | Christian |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Founder | King Edward IV |
| Year Founded | 1475 |
| Worshippers | The College of St George |
| Related Organisations | The Society of the Friends of St George's and Descendants of the Knights of the Garter |
| Related Buildings | Chapel of St Edward the Confessor |
| Notable Events | Burial place of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII, and Charles I; setting for the marriages of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018 |
| Opening Hours | Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm |
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What You'll Learn
St George's Chapel is Anglican, not Catholic
St George's Chapel, formally titled The King's Free Chapel of the College of St George, is a castle chapel located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle in England. It was founded in the 14th century by King Edward III and has been the location of many royal ceremonies, weddings, and burials. The chapel is a fully functioning place of worship, with services taking place daily, and worshippers are welcome to attend. While it has a rich history and connection to the Royal Family, St George's Chapel is Anglican and not Catholic.
The chapel was established by King Edward III in 1348, when he founded two religious colleges: St Stephen's at Westminster and St George's at Windsor. The college at Windsor was attached to the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor, which had been built by Henry III in the early 13th century. The chapel was then re-dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St George the Martyr, and St Edward the Confessor. Over time, it became known primarily as St George's Chapel.
St George's Chapel is a fine example of Gothic architecture, featuring large windows and tall, slender pillars that give it a graceful and elegant appearance. The chapel underwent extensive enlargement in the late 15th century, with various additions made by subsequent kings well into the 1500s. The chapel features remarkable medieval woodwork and ironwork, including unique, individually carved oak spires above the Quire seats.
The chapel has strong ties to the Royal Family, serving as the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, an ancient and prestigious order of chivalry. It has been the site of numerous royal services and burials, including those of King Henry VIII, King Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth II. The Order of the Garter holds an annual service of thanksgiving in St George's Chapel each June, known as Garter Day.
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It is located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle
St George's Chapel is located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle, in England, United Kingdom. It is a place of worship and is open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The chapel is a popular tourist attraction, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. It is characterised by large windows and tall, slender pillars, giving a sense of grace and elegance. The chapel also boasts impressive medieval woodwork and ironwork.
The history of St George's Chapel is closely tied to the British monarchy. Founded in the 14th century by King Edward III, the chapel has been the site of numerous royal ceremonies, weddings, and burials. It is the planned burial site of Queen Elizabeth II and has served as the final resting place for several notable figures, including King Henry VIII, Queen Jane Seymour, and Charles I. The chapel suffered significant destruction during the English Civil War but was later restored and expanded over the centuries by subsequent monarchs.
The chapel is also known for its Gothic Perpendicular architecture, featuring intricate stone fan vaulting added by Henry VIII. On the roof, 76 heraldic statues represent the Queen's Beasts, showcasing the Royal supporters of England. These include the lion of England, the red dragon of Wales, and the panther of Jane Seymour. The chapel's construction began in 1348 and continued until 1528, with various kings contributing to its expansion over the years.
St George's Chapel is more than just a place of worship; it is a significant part of British history and royalty. Its location within the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle further emphasises its importance and connection to the monarchy. Visitors can access the chapel through the Windsor Castle admission centre, and services are held daily, free of charge. The chapel is an integral part of the castle's history and continues to be a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
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It is a Royal Peculiar and the Chapel of the Order of the Garter
St George's Chapel is a Royal Peculiar and the Chapel of the Order of the Garter. It is located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle, a principal residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and is the planned burial site of the Queen.
A Royal Peculiar is a church that belongs directly to the monarch and not to any diocese, and does not come under the jurisdiction of a bishop. The concept originated in Anglo-Saxon times and developed as a result of the relationship between the Norman and Plantagenet Kings and the English Church. Henry VIII retained Royal Peculiars following the Reformation; the Ecclesiastical Licences Act of 1533, as confirmed by the Act of Supremacy of 1559, transferred to the Sovereign the jurisdiction that had previously been exercised by the Pope. St George's Chapel, along with Westminster Abbey, is one of the best-known Royal Peculiars.
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. It was founded by King Edward III in 1344, inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table. The Order includes the King, senior members of the Royal Family, and 24 knights chosen in recognition of their work. Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, contributed to national life, or served the Sovereign personally. St George's Chapel is the spiritual home and mother church of the Order of the Garter and the location of special services for the Order. During their lifetime, all members of the Order are entitled to display their heraldic crests, banners, helmets, swords, and enamelled stall plates in St George's Chapel.
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It was founded by King Edward III in 1348
St. George's Chapel, formally titled The King's Free Chapel of the College of St George, is located in Windsor Castle, in the Lower Ward of the castle. It was founded by King Edward III in 1348 as a religious college and has been extensively enlarged since. The castle has been occupied for almost 1,000 years and is the oldest and largest castle in the world. It was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has been home to 40 monarchs since.
King Edward III founded two new religious colleges in 1348: St Stephen's at Westminster and St George's at Windsor. The college at Windsor was attached to the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor, constructed by Henry III in the 12th century. The chapel was then rededicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Edward the Confessor, and St George the Martyr. The Aerary Porch was built by King Edward III in 1353-1354. The chapel was a popular destination for pilgrims during the late medieval period. It was purported to contain several important relics, including the bodies of John Schorne and Henry VI of England, and a fragment of the True Cross.
St. George's Chapel has been the site of many royal ceremonies, weddings, and burials. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, one of the oldest and most important orders of chivalry in the world. Every June, the Sovereign and the Knights of the Garter attend an annual service of thanksgiving in St George's Chapel, known as Garter Day. The chapel is also the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, King Henry VIII, and King Charles I, among others.
The chapel suffered a great deal of destruction during the English Civil War. Parliamentary forces plundered the chapel and treasury, and further pillaging occurred in 1643 when the 15th-century chapter house was destroyed, and lead was stripped from the chapel roofs. Following his execution in 1649, King Charles I was buried in a small vault in the centre of the choir at St George's Chapel.
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It is the planned burial site of Queen Elizabeth II
St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle has a rich and varied history, dating back to the 14th century when it was established by King Edward III. The chapel has strong connections to the Royal Family, serving as a place of worship, royal ceremonies, weddings, and burials. It is also the planned burial site of Queen Elizabeth II, who chose to be laid to rest alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, her parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, and her sister, Princess Margaret.
The chapel, formally titled The King's Free Chapel of the College of St George, is an example of Gothic Perpendicular architecture. It is located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle, which has been a principal residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The castle has a long history with the monarchy, having belonged to them for almost 1,000 years. St. George's Chapel itself was founded in the 14th century and underwent extensive enlargement in the late 15th century.
Over the centuries, the chapel has witnessed numerous royal services, weddings, and burials. It is both a Royal Peculiar, a church under the direct jurisdiction of the monarch, and the Chapel of the Order of the Garter. The Order of the Garter holds an annual service at the chapel, where members process in their robes and insignia from the State Apartments to St. George's Chapel. The chapel also features heraldic statues representing the Queen's Beasts, showcasing the Royal supporters of England.
Queen Elizabeth II chose St. George's Chapel as her final resting place, and her coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, joining the resting places of many past monarchs, including King George III, IV, and V, and William IV. The intimate committal service at St. George's Chapel followed a state funeral at Westminster, attended by global leaders. The chapel holds personal significance for the Queen, as it houses the King George VI Memorial Chapel, named after her father.
St. George's Chapel is open to the public year-round, and visitors can access the royal estate, including the chapel, on select days. The chapel services are free to attend, and visitors can pay their respects at the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, marked by a ledger stone with her name inscribed alongside her family members. The chapel has become a popular destination for those wishing to honour the memory of the Queen and learn more about its rich history.
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Frequently asked questions
No, St. George's Chapel is not Catholic. It is Anglican as it is the primary home of the Church of England, of which King Henry VIII became the head after breaking with the Catholic Church.
St. George's Chapel is regarded as one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England. It is characterised by large windows and tall, slender pillars, giving it a graceful and elegant impression. The chapel also features remarkable medieval woodwork and ironwork.
Yes, St. George's Chapel is open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Visitors can attend chapel services, which are free and do not require a ticket.
