Charles Rex Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 The Round Tower This Tower, sometimes called the Middle Ward, which forms the west side of the Upper Court, is built in the form of an amphitheatre, on the highest part of the mount; the ascent into the upper apartments is by a flight of 100 stone steps, at the top of which is planted a large piece of cannon, levelled at the entrance, or bottom of these steps; there are likewise 17 pieces of cannon mounted round the curtain of the Tower. The whole castle is likewise strongly fortified with cannon, on each of the several towers, and two platforms in the lower ward. The apartments of this tower belong to the Constable, or Governor, whose office is both military and civil: as a military officer, he is obliged to defend the Castle against all enemies, whether foreign or domestic. He has the charge of prisoners brought hither, and is accountable to the King for whatever is contained in the Castle. He has a deputy or lieutenant-governor, who holds equal command in his absence, and has lodgings appointed for his residence at the entrance of the tower. The current governor is Prince Rupert, the Duke of Cumberland. The constable, as a civil officer, is judge of a court of record, held by prescription over the town gate in the lower ward, for the determination of pleas between party and party, within the precincts of Windsor Forest, which comprehends many towns, over which this Court has jurisdiction; and all legal processes, judgements, and executions, are issued in his name; but the practise of this Court is at present suspended. He is likewise Chief Forester and Warden of Windsor Forest, which extends 120 miles in circumference. The entrance into this tower is through a square paved court, in which is a reservoir of water to receive the drains from the upper leads. The court is hung round with buckets, which are there ready in case of fire. Guard Chamber In this room is a small magazine of arms, curiously disposed, as matchlocks, the first ever made, whole, half, and quarter pikes, with bandoliers of various figures. Round the cornice is a number of breastplates, with helmets over them, and several drums, in proper order. Over the chimney is carved in lime-wood, the star and garter, in the form of an oval, crowned and encompassed with daggers and pistols. The pillars of the door leading to the dining-room are composed of pikes, on the tops of which are two coats of mail, said to be those of John, King of France, and David, King of Scotland, who were prisoners here; they are both inlaid with gold, the former with fleur-de-luces, and the latter with thistles. On the staircase leading to the dining-room, stands the figure of a yeoman of the guard, painted in his proper dress, as if in waiting. Here are four pillars of pikes, ornamented with bandoleers, carbines, and matchlocks. In the centre is a beautiful engraved horse-shield, encompassed with daggers and pistols. Private Chambers of Prince Rupert The Governor's Suite comprises a large part of the Round Tower, and as Prince Rupert is the current governor of Windsor Castle, this is his primary residence. The Hall The Hall, on the ground level, is adorned with military memorabilia, some of which has been incorporated into the that Rupert has gathered. Offices are situated from himself and the Constable, leading off the Hall. The Hall still functions from time to time as a court room. The Dining Room In the Dining Room, one floor above the Hall, one finds a tapestry depicting the History of Hero and Leander in six compartments. The tapestry is wrought with gold and silver, representing the story of Autoclotus, King of Phrygia, and his three daughters, weeping to death by the side of the Helicon. In another part is the story of Pandora's Box; the other parts of the tapestry are likewise representations of Heathen Mythology. Withdrawing Room Off of the Dining Room, the Withdrawing or Drawing Room offers comfort and elegance. Here, the hand of a lady can be seen in the upholstered furnishings and a notably diminished stock of weaponry. The Private Chambers In the Master Bedchamber there are six ebony chairs, of a particular make, curiously studded with ivory. The curtained bed is suitably vast and hung with velvet curtains. The dressing room is not of particular interest though it contains several drawings. There are several other, smaller bedchambers as well. GUEST APARTMENTS & ROOMS Here you will find PCs and NPCs with particular connections to the Duke of Cumberland Duchess of Richmond & Lennox (Mall) A grand apartment with a magnificent view over the Upper Ward, and beyond, viewing the Great Park in autumn splendour. There is a separate bedchamber with beautiful curtains. Lord & Lady Brooke A grand apartment with a magnificent view over the Upper Ward, and beyond, viewing the Great Park in autumn splendour. There is a separate bedchamber with beautiful curtains. Lord & Lady Beverley A modest room with a magnificent view over the Upper Ward, and beyond, viewing the Great Park in autumn splendour. There is a bed with suitable curtains, yet small. There is a hearth with two comfortable chairs and a small table. On a side table there rests a bowl with some lemon water, with a towel next to it. Sir George Legge A modest room with a magnificent view over the Upper Ward, and beyond, viewing the Great Park in autumn splendour. There is a bed with suitable curtains, yet small. There is a hearth with two comfortable chairs and a small table. On a side table there rests a bowl with some lemon water, with a towel next to it. KEEPS ASCENT http://www.ageofintrigue.com/KeepsAscent.jpg Once the man-made mote that held the original keep our Round Tower had been of the utmost important strategical impact. Now while distinctive it was an oddity way past its use. However such things of the past belonged to Windsor Castle and the latest occupants had sought to bring some use to the ascent by creating a pleasure garden for ladies to stroll in, sectioning off small parts were vegetables and fruits were cultivated for the servants. While some had been harvested, the vegetable patch was still full of wholesome cabbages and carrots for the winter that would be preserved in the kitchen after the rush of the wedding. A very fine set of vines full of heavy red grapes decorated the walls and arbors. THE WATERFALL Close to the turret wall that led to the Upper Ward was a waterfall that in summer provided the beautiful ladies of court with some refreshment in warm summer afternoons. Even now it called with soft murmuring sounds to passers bye. Framed by well filled vines it held an unearthly beauty which whispered of fae and other myths of a far past. During the night the owl living in the hollow apple tree nearby called out its weary warning before going on his hunt for mice. THE WELL The servants puled up water every day for their most common needs, even though basic plumbing did provide the Castle with its necessary water as well. The well stood to the side of the small vegetable garden that was a part of the Keeps Ascent, hidden by a few bushes. It was not a busy place and due to its seclusion perfect as a meeting place. THE GROTTO The grotto which in summertime provided seclusion and a breath of coolness to ladies wandering the Keeps ascent, was framed by leaves in yellow and red covering its entrance, providing a hiding place as well as the throne of fall. Still further in one could still sit with a measure of privacy on its banks, admiring the hundreds of shellfish that had been immortalized in mosaic, whose blue tones called for images of water. Its tunnellike shape gave a measure of protection against the sometimes inclement weather. Helpful servants had left a lantern to be lit by visitors after nightfall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Rex Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 Outbuildings Fencing Practice Hall The enclosed area was filled with mirrors. In the middle a large circle was drawn with all kinds of lines, known as the Spanish style, it was used in the instruction of young men just learning the arts. Several artful displays of armor and rapiers to the walls called attention. Two dummies were set up for those courtiers that wanted to practice their stabbing technique but more often than not the men gathered here to train with each other, or to observe others. Royal Mews The Household Cavalry, the oldest English regiment, consists of The Life Guards and The Blues and The Royal Horse Guards. The regiment consists of two units comprising all three "colors". The mounted regiment, as opposed to the unit commonly known as the Life Guard (despite its broader mix) maintains the Royal Mews. Here enough stabling is provided for the horses of those who are in residence with the Household Cavalry as well as any visiting dignitaries and nobles. The well covered building is also used to provide shelter for coaches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Rex Posted June 23, 2012 Author Share Posted June 23, 2012 Winchester Tower Over looking the Northern Terrace, connected by turrets left and right to the other buildings, and more importantly to the Round Tower in the Middle Ward, stood Winchester Tower. Inside were several guards rooms and other usually unoccupied apartments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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