WINDSOR CASTLE

The Keep on the Motte

The Upper Ward Gateway

St. George's Chapel

Windsor is a 20 minute train ride from the London Paddington national rail station. The State Apartments have the finest collection or paintings, tapestries, armor and weapons of any museum I've ever visited. The Castle has been the royal retreat for 900 years and remains the summer home of the Queen. It was originally constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century as one of several castles fortifying London, 20 miles separating each of them. Of them, only Windsor and the Tower of London remain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Castle). Standing on the north terrace with views to the horizon in every direction, its location clearly has some strategic advantages.