St George's Chapel, within the precincts of Windsor Castle, is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England. The building was started by Edward IV in 1475 and took fifty years to construct. It is the Chapel of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Britain's highest order of chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348. Members are selected by The Sovereign and include foreign monarchs and previous Prime Ministers. Ten monarchs are buried in the Chapel including Edward IV himself, Henry VIII with his favourite wife Jane Seymour, Charles I, George V and Queen Mary and George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Beyond St George's Chapel is the entrance to the Albert Memorial Chapel, converted by Queen Victoria as a memorial to her husband Prince Albert who died in 1861.
Please note the following provisional closure dates during 2009:
CASTLE COMPLETELY CLOSED:
10 April 2009
12 April (Castle closed until 1pm)
15 June 2009
25 and 26 December 2009.
STATE APARTMENTS CLOSED:
12-23 January 2009
13-16 June 2009
On these dates the Precincts, Queen Mary's Dolls' House and The Drawings Gallery will continue to be open. Reduced admission charges will apply.
ST GEORGE'S CHAPEL CLOSED (other than to worshippers attending services):
25 February 2009 (chapel closed until 10.30am)
10 April 2009
11 April 2009 (chapel closed until 11am)
17 April 2009 (chapel closed at 1pm)
2 May 2009 (chapel closed at 1pm)
9 May 2009 (chapel closed at 1pm)
12-15 June 2009
26 June 2009 (chapel closed at 1pm)
10 July 2009 (chapel closed until 10.30am)
18 December 2009 (chapel closed until 10.30am)
23 December 2009 (chapel closed at 1pm)
24 and 25 December 2009.
Please note St George's Chapel is also closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. Worshippers are welcome to attend the services.