Showing posts with label windsor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label windsor. Show all posts

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Long Walk

Most visitors to Windsor Castle enter from the gate in the town of Windsor and don't get to see this spectacular entrance, known as the long walk. Stretching 3 miles from the castle to the copper statue of King George III on a horse.
Originally lined on each side by 1652 elm trees, these are gone now, having fallen victim to dutch elm disease. An inquiry and lots of meetings to discuss the problem (sound familiar?) and then, nearly 50 years after the elms had died an agreement was finally reached, and the horse chestnut trees were planted in a widened walk.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Changing Guards

Sikhs have been part of the British for a long time. Dates back to the days of the empire. (Something the British seem to think still exists).
What is different is since July 2009 they are now members of the elite who guard the queen. So pay attention when you come visiting. Among the bearskins you will now catch a glimpse of blue turbans at Buckingham and Windsor palaces.