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Windsor is a popular
tourist attraction as it is one of the Royal residences. It has a
long history. Read about the castle then try the comprehension exercise
below. |
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 Windsor
Castle is not quite all that it seems. It has the appearance, especially
from a distance, of a great mediaeval fortress. But much of the structure,
especially on the side that faces the Park, actually dates from periods
of re-building in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. And although the
Castle was certainly intended for military purposes, royal lodgings had
already been built within the walls as early as the 13th century; they
have been extended ever since. Inside the Castle, too, is one of the finest
examples of religious architecture in Britain, St George’s Chapel.
In fact, Windsor
has only been the scene of military action twice - in each case a siege,
and within only 22 years of each other, in 1193 and 1215.
The Castle began life
in 1070. It was one of the chain of fortifications built around London
by the Normans to control the south-east of England. Its commanding position,
on a hill overlooking the Thames, seems the natural place for the principal
building in the area. But that was not always the case. Before the Castle
had even been thought of, there was a royal hunting lodge close to the
river, in what is now known as Old Windsor. And before that, the Benedictine
abbey at Chertsey - founded in 666 - had been the grandest building for
miles around. Unlike the Castle, however, both hunting lodge and abbey
have long since disappeared.
Comprehension check
Look at the statements
below and decide whether they are right (True) or wrong (False). Select
your answer then check how well you did using the Score button.
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