In 1066, when William the Conqueror claimed victory at the Battle of Hastings, the Forest of Windsor was already established - serving as a vital resource for the people who lived in the area. But it was William the Conqueror who was the first monarch to be inspired by the grasslands of Windsor Great Park as a place to build a residence. In fact, the outer walls of Windsor Castle as they stand today are the same walls which were constructed by William the Conqueror - and some of the original oaks planted during his reign a thousand years ago, can still be seen standing tall within the Park now.

Windsor Great Park underwent significant changes following the Restoration of the Monarchy in the 17th Century, and many of the recognisable features that our visitors enjoy today originated during this period. With the Restoration came the introduction of the formal avenues, most notably the Long Walk - an addition that was influenced by King Charles II’s fondness for French architecture.

The serene waters of Virginia Water, pictured above, were brought to life under the stewardship of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, whilst he was Ranger of Windsor Great Park in the mid 1700s. Seeking a more natural and picturesque landscape, the Duke set about creating the largest man-made lake of its time in Britain - assisted by architects Henry Flitcroft and John Vardy, and the topographical draughtsman Thomas Sandby. Today, the towering Cumberland Obelisk on Obelisk Lawn celebrates the inspiring work of the Duke of Cumberland in his time as Ranger of Windsor Great Park.

In later years, George IV, affectionately known as the ‘Fisher King’, recruited the help of the architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville to introduce new features to the Virginia Water landscape. His desire was that these features - including an encampment of Turkish tents and the magnificent, oriental style fishing temple - would be enjoyed by visitors to Windsor Great Park. These features are no longer visible, but we have installed some interpretation boards to help illustrate what they would have looked like.

Five Arch Bridge, found to the north of Virginia Water, was also built under George IV’s reign - and from here, you can look out across the same views that he enjoyed. You can also visit other important additions from this time, including the folly of the Leptis Magna Roman Ruins and of course the iconic Copper Horse statue, erected at the Long Walk as a tribute from George IV to his father, George III.

Queen Victoria loved Virginia Water from childhood, and is known to have frequently enjoyed picnicking on its borders. At that time, her husband Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, had a significant impact on Windsor Great Park - committing himself to improving the living conditions of Estate workers, building cottages and establishing the Royal School, so that Estate children could benefit from a thorough education.

The Royal School is still frequented by many of the children of Crown Estate employees living in Windsor Great Park today, and an equestrian statue commemorating Prince Albert’s outstanding contributions to Windsor Great Park can be seen near Smith’s Lawn.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and George VI moved into The Royal Lodge as the Duke and Duchess of York in 1931, and The Queen Mother continued to live here after the sad passing of her husband in 1952. It was also during this time, under the continued patronage of George VI, that Sir Eric Savill created The Savill Garden and The Valley Gardens.

On 19 June 1937, King George VI planted the first of 60 Oak trees, which were planted to commemorate the King’s coronation and is known today as the King George VI Coronation Plantation. There are 20 different species, which were planted by representatives of 59 Commonwealth countries and are placed in positions that correspond with the compass points at which the different parts of the empire lie in relation to the British Isles.