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What role did Windsor Castle play in Edward III’s reign?
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Edward III
Edward III, watercolour, 15th century; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Julius E. IV).
During the reign of Edward III, Windsor Castle underwent significant architectural and symbolic transformations that solidified its status as a premier royal residence.
Edward III’s primary contributions included:
- Residential Development: He converted the existing fortress buildings located in the upper ward into comfortable royal apartments, shifting the site's focus from purely military defense to a more refined royal residence.12
- Establishment of the Order of the Garter: In 1348, Edward III founded the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the highest order of knighthood in Britain. He designated the castle's chapel as the spiritual and ceremonial center for this new order, effectively linking the monarchy to the ideals of chivalry and Arthurian legend.32
By integrating these residential upgrades with the creation of a prestigious knightly order, Edward III transformed Windsor Castle into a central hub for royal ceremony and governance.