Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world - its footprint takes up 13 acres and the floor space equals 484,000 square feet. But it is kept immaculate for the Britsh Royal Family, who reside there for most of the year, and an adoring British public, who flock to the castle in droves to enjoy its beauty and history and the many events which mark the turn of the royal year. The castle is almost a thousand years old, steeped in tradition and ritual, and houses art treasures and memorabilia from the reigns of 40 British monarchs. Adjoining the castle is the Home Park - a 655 acre tract of forests, waterways, two working farms, the stables for the royal horses (known as the Windsor Greys), the Ascot racetrack, polo fields, a sanctuary of red deer, a local farmer’s and artisan’s market, and assorted estates and cottages for castle employees.

How in the world does one keep up appearances on a property that large and important? With a devoted staff of over 300 people, which includes chamber maids, liveried footmen, flagmen, fendersmiths, stablemen, chefs and cooks, librarians (!), furniture craftsmen, clocksmiths, rangers, farmers, art restorers and event-planners, who keep the castle ticking away in perfect order and precision. In 2005, a film crew was allowed special permission to record the happenings at the castle for an entire year, following the Queen and her family as they preside over state dinners, horse races and processions, and the castle staff on the rounds of maintaining and showing off the castle through every season. The result is this most engaging dvd Windsor Castle: A Royal Year.
Windsor Castle