A map of Windsor Great Park from 1662. (C) King Charles III 2023.

View our historic timeline 

Take a journey through the ages with our historic timeline, which tells the story of Windsor Great Park and its Royal associations, from the Battle of Hastings right through to the present day. 

Scroll to bottom

2022

2022

His Majesty King Charles III

His Majesty King Charles III officially became The Ranger of Windsor Great Park on 14 November 2022, seventy years after his father, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was appointed to the post.
HRH King Charles III, Ranger of Windsor Great Park.
King Charles III - Ranger of Windsor Great Park

2022

Queen Elizabeth II

On 9 September,  Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral. On 19 September, 100,000 gathered on The Long Walk to pay their final respects as the funeral cortege brought The Queen home to Windsor on her final journey before a service of committal in St George’s Chapel .

The Funeral Procession with Windsor Castle in the background.
WPA Pool/Getty Images

2022

Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee

On 6 February 2022, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

This culminated in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June, with over 3,500 beacons lit on Thursday 2 June to honour the occasion.

A beacon blazes against the night sky.
Gill Heppell

2021

2021

The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The death of The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on April 9th 2021, at Windsor Castle, brought to an end his role as a Ranger of Windsor, Great Park. ‘The Duke’, as he was affectionately known across the Estate, was laid to rest in Saint George’s Chapel on April 17, 2021.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

2016

2016

Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday beacon ceremony

Queen Elizabeth II lit the first of a National chain of beacons on the Long Walk as part of her 90th birthday celebrations. A towering beacon was also lit by Crown Estate staff at the Copper Horse.

A fiery beacon.The raised basket bears the inscription, E II R 90.

2016

2016, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh unveils aircraft memorial on Smith’s Lawn 

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was the last person to officially fly from the airfield, unveils a memorial marker on Smith’s Lawn Airfield for the Airfield of Britain Conservation Trust (ABCT). 

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

2015

2015

2015, VE Day anniversary beacons

On the 70th anniversary of VE Day, Queen Elizabeth II lights the first of two hundred beacons being lit across the UK to mark the occasion. The ceremony took place on the Long Walk. The ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose is planted in The Savill Garden to mark the important historical milestone on 9 September of Her Majesty becoming the longest reigning monarch in British history. 

On the 70th anniversary of VE Day, Queen Elizabeth II lights the first of two hundred beacons lit across the UK.

2012

2012

2012, the Olympic Torch

Windsor Great Park is proud to host 10,000 people coming together to see the Olympic Torch carried along The Long Walk on its journey to the Olympic Park.

Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle with representatives from the London Olympics and the Olympic torch
Reuters / Alamy Stock Photo

2012

2012, Cow Pond restoration

The extensive restoration of Cow Pond is completed. Visitors to Cow Pond can now enjoy a walk around this tranquil pond in a similar fashion to the Georgian aristocrats of years gone by.  

A horse drawn carriage passes the Cow Pond.

2012

2012, Jubilee military muster and flypast

The Long Walk hosts 25,000 people for a military muster and flypast to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.  
 
The ‘Diamond Jubilee’ rose is planted in The Savill Garden to honour the occasion.

A aerial flypast to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. The planes form the letters ER.

2010

2010

2010, The Rose Garden Royal opening

The Rose Garden in The Savill Garden is opened by Queen Elizabeth II. Designed by Andrew Wilson, visitors can wander around its swirls of rose beds and enjoy the blend of perfumes from a walkway that rises up into the centre of the Rose Garden. 

Queen Elizabeth II visiting The Savill Garden.

2007

2007

2007, New Zealand Garden opens

The New Zealand Garden opens in The Savill Garden to the sounds of the Haka in the presence of HRH The Duke of York. 

The New Zealand Garden (within The Savill Garden).

2006

2006

2006, The Savill Building opened

The Savill Building is opened by The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A contemporary piece of architecture made from sustainable oak from Windsor Great Park, the building was the first major purpose built Visitor Centre for Windsor Great Park.  

The Duke of Edinburgh cutting a ribbon outside the The Savill Building.

2002

2002

2002, Jubilee Statue unveiled

The Jubilee Statue of Queen Elizabeth II on horseback is unveiled at the southern end of Queen Anne’s Ride, and is, to date, the only statue commissioned of Queen Elizabeth II on horseback. 

Statue of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Anne's Ride.

1979

1979

1979, Red deer herd

The herd of red deer in the Deer Park is re-established by the Ranger of Windsor Great Park, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The herd is currently maintained at a head-count of 650-700 animals. 

A herd of deer in Stag Meadow.

1961

1961

1961, The Crown Estate established

The Crown Estate is established as it is today. An independent commercial business, created by an act of parliament, making sure that the land and property we invest in and manage are sustainably worked, developed and enjoyed to deliver the best value over the long term.

A line of wind turbines stretch out across the sea.

1958

1958

1958, The Totem Pole 

The Totem Pole is gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by the government of British Columbia. It stands 100 feet high on the bank of Wick Pond.  You can see a short clip of it here.

The totem pole being lowered onto a vehicle from a docked ship.

1955

1955

1955, Guards Polo Club

Household Brigade Polo Club is founded on Smith’s Lawn. Renamed Guards Polo Club in 1969, it is now the largest polo club in Europe. Polo matches can be seen on Smith’s Lawn from April to September. 

A polo player rides across the field at Smith's Lawn.

1952

1952

1952, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is appointed Ranger of Windsor Great Park by Queen Elizabeth II

The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest serving Ranger of the Great Park, Windsor, acting as steward for one of the nation’s most iconic landscapes for nearly 70 years.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh
© PA Images

1948

1948

1948, the creation of the Windsor Great Park Village

Architect Sidney Tatchell designs a small ‘model village’ housing community, complete with shop and Post Office, to provide homes for the Windsor Estate’s growing workforce. The Village would subsequently be enlarged, with its own Workers’ Club (the York Club) and extra housing being built in the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

The Village Post Office, Windsor Great Park.

1946

1946

1946, The Valley Gardens

Eric Savill and chief horticulturist Hope Finlay begin working on the undulating woodland next to Virginia Water lake that would become The Valley Gardens. 

The Valley Gardens Punch Bowl surrounded by flowering shrubbery

1932

1932

1932, Start of The Savill Garden

Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park, Eric Savill starts work on The Savill Garden close to where the Queen Elizabeth Temperate House stands today. The traditions of horticultural excellence at The Savill Garden begin and continue through to our expert gardens team today. 

 

A framed artist portrait of Eric Savill and a dog in The Savill Garden.

1931

1931

1931, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother moves in

The Duke and Duchess of York (later HM King George VI and HM Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother), move into Royal Lodge.  

A photograph of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret outside the Royal Lodge.

1911

1911

1911, Royal Airmail

The first airmail delivery landed in the private grounds of Home Park, next to The Long Walk. 

A monoplane preparing for flight from Great Windsor Park surrounded by many spectators.
© The Postal Museum

1908

1908

1908, Olympic Marathon venue

The Olympic Marathon starts on the Long Walk at the gates of Windsor Castle. The Marathon was fixed at 42.195 km (26.2 miles) – the distance from Windsor Castle to the Royal Box in the Olympic Stadium. This became the official Marathon distance from the 1924 Games onwards.  

Olympic athletes running past Windsor Castle in 1908.
Image courtesy of St George's Chapel

1888

1888

1888, Prince Consort Statue

A gift to Queen Victoria from the Women of the British Empire, this statue is erected on Smith’s Lawn in honour of her late husband, Prince Albert, the Prince Consort. 

An 1890 engraving of the Prince Consort Statue in Windsor Great Park.
Artokoloro / Alamy Stock Photo

1831

1831

1831, The Copper Horse

The Copper Horse statue is erected at the end of The Long Walk as a tribute from George IV to his father, George III. Walk the length of The Long Walk up to this great statue and enjoy impressive views of Windsor Castle from Snow Hill. 

An early photograph of The Copper Horse Statue.
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1829

1829

1829, Five Arch Bridge

The Five Arch Bridge, designed by Sir Jeffry Wyatville, is completed. Visitors to Virginia Water still admire the impressive lake views from this original structure. 

Five Arch Bridge at Virginia Water Lake with trees in the background.

1827

1827

1827, Leptis Magna Ruins

The folly of the Leptis Magna Roman ruins were installed at Virginia Water Lake during George IV’s reign. The construction was overseen by Sir Jeffry Wyatville, principal Architect in the reconstruction of Windsor Castle in the 1820’s.

An early photograph of the Leptis Magna Ruins.
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1820

1820

1820, construction of Royal Lodge

HM King George IV’s new Windsor home, set a short distance from Windsor Castle, and easily accessible via The Long Walk. Hidden inside private grounds, the Lodge has provided a secluded and very private retreat for members of the Royal Family, and is in use up to the present day. 

A painting of The Royal Lodge by William Daniell (1827).
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1780

1780

1780, Construction of the Cascade

Following the collapse of the pondhead in 1768, Virginia Water Lake is enlarged and the Cascade re-constructed in its present location by King George III. Work begins in 1780 and water first flows over the new Cascade in 1798. The Cascade remains to this day as one of Windsor Great Park’s most popular places to see. 

The Cascade, Virginia Water Lake, Windsor Great Park.

1765

1765

1765, The Cumberland Obelisk

The Cumberland Obelisk is built on Obelisk Lawn, commemorating the Duke of Cumberland’s military services in Windsor Great Park. An ode to a son from his loving father, King George II. 

The Cumberland Obelisk, Obelisk Lawn.

1760

1760

1760, Crown Lands agreement

When George III acceded to the throne, an agreement was reached that the Crown Lands would be managed on behalf of the Government and the surplus revenue would go to the Treasury. The Monarch would receive a fixed annual payment, known as the Civil List. 

A painting of King George III.
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1753

1753

1753, Virginia Water landscaping

The Duke of Cumberland, William Augustus, begins the landscaping at Virginia Water Lake. As Ranger of Windsor Great Park, he succeeded in creating the largest man-made lake of its time in Britain.  

A watercolour drawing of the Chinese Junk afloat on Virginia Water in Windsor Great Park.
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1708

1708

1708, Queen Anne’s Ride

A single row of elm and lime trees is planted to mark “Queen’s Walk”. In the 19th Century it was renamed Queen Anne’s Ride after Queen Anne’s passion for riding her horse drawn carriage along this avenue. All of the elms and many of the limes were replaced in the late 20th Century with oaks, although some of the original limes still thrive today. Horse riders today continue to enjoy this route. 

A modern-day photograph of people walking down Queen Anne's Ride.

1680

1680

1680, The Long Walk

Charles II commences planting on the original avenue of trees on The Long Walk.  

A painting of The Long Walk, looking down to Windsor Castle.
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1652

1652

1652, Cumberland Lodge

Byfield House (later known as Cumberland Lodge) is built by former Parliamentarian officer, Captain John Byfield. It would soon become home to some of the earlier Rangers of Windsor Great Park. The Rangers of the late 17th-mid 18th Century – Baptist May, Hans Willem Bentinck (the Earl of Portland), Sarah Churchill (the Duchess of Marlborough) and HRH William Augustus (1st Duke of Cumberland) – were all instrumental in delivering many of the large and enduring landscape features we enjoy today. 

Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1070

1070

1070, Windsor’s first fortress

William I established a motte and bailey fortress that would evolve over the centuries into the present-day Windsor Castle. The area known today as Windsor Great Park is incorporated within a vast Norman hunting chase, known as the Forest of Windsor. 

A 1644 drawing of Windsor Castle.
Royal Collection Trust/ © His Majesty King Charles III

1066

1066

1066, William the Conqueror

William the Conqueror overthrows King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. He is later inspired by the local topography around Windsor, including the grasslands of Windsor Great Park, as a most suitable place to build his residence. The King presides over the earliest manifestation of The Crown Estate, with the introduction of Forest Law. 

Portrait of William The Conqueror (William I). He is wearing a crown and holding a sword.
© National Portrait Gallery

710

710

c.710, King Offa’s Oak

The oldest living oak tree currently in Windsor Great Park begins its long life in the private North West corner of the Forest. 

King Offa's Oak tree supported by struts.
Show More

Discover more

Explore other aspects of Windsor Great Park.

Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park

Get in touch

Contact us

Join our newsletter

More from us

News & Articles

Careers

User support

Accessibility

Site map

Our policies

Terms of use

Privacy statement

Fair processing notice

Cookies statement

Modern slavery act

Freedom of information

The Crown Estate logo.

About The Crown Estate
The Crown Estate is a unique business with a diverse portfolio that stretches across the country. We actively manage our assets in line with our purpose: to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation.

Find out more

Designed by Bewonder*