In short, King Charles II. left little to be done to the castle except some additional paintings in the apartments, which were added by his successors James II. and William III. in whose reign the whole was completed.

This stately and venerable castle is divided into two courts or wards, with a large round tower between them called the middle ward, it being formerly separated from the lower ward by a strong wall and drawbridge. The whole contains above twelve acres of land, and has many towers and batteries for its defence: but length of time have abated their strength, and the happy union that subsists between the Prince and people, has made it unnecessary to keep these fortifications in perfect repair.

The castle is situated upon a high hill, which rises by a gentle ascent, and enjoys a most delightful prospect around it, in the front is a wide and extensive vale, adorned with corn fields and meadows, with groves on either side, and the calm smooth water of the Thames running through it, and behind it are every where hills covered with woods, as if dedicated by nature, for game and hunting.

On the declivity of the hill is a fine terrace faced with a rampart of free stone, 1870 feet in length. This may justly be said to be one of the noblest walks in Europe, both with respect to the strength and grandeur of the building, and the fine and extensive prospect over the Thames of the adjacent country on every side, where from the variety of fine villas scattered about, nature and art seem to vie with each other in beauty.

From this terrace you enter a beautiful park, which surrounds the palace, and is called the little or house park, to distinguish it from another adjoining, which is of a much larger extent. This little park is four miles in circumference, and surrounded by a brick wall. The turf is of the most beautiful green, and it is adorned with many shady walks; especially that called Queen Elizabeth’s, which, on the summer evenings is frequented by the best company. A fine plain on the top of the hill was made level for bowling in the reign of King Charles II. and from hence is the like extended prospect over the Thames, and the same beautiful and well cultivated country. The park is well stocked with deer and other game, and the keeper’s lodge at the farther end is a delightful habitation.

But to return to the castle. In the upper court is a spacious and regular square, containing on the north side the royal apartments, and St. George’s chapel and hall, on the south and the east sides are the royal apartments, those of the Prince of Wales, and the great officers of state, and in the centre of the area is an equestrian statue in copper of King Charles II. in the habit of one of the Cæsars, standing on a marble pedestal, adorned with various kinds of fruit, fish, shipping and other ornaments. On the east side is the following inscription on a shield:

CAROLO Secundo.
Regum Optimo,
Domino suo clementissimo.
Tobias Rustat
Hanc Effigiem humilime
Dedit et Dedicavit,
Anno Domini Mdclxxx.

The Round tower, which forms the west side of this upper court, contains the Governor’s apartments. It is built on the highest part of the mount, and there is an ascent to it by a large flight of stone steps: these apartments are spacious and noble, and among the rest is a guard-room or magazine of arms. King Charles II. began to face this mount with brick, but only compleated that part next the court.

The Lower court is larger than the other, and is in a manner divided into two parts by St. George’s chapel, which stands in the centre. On the north, or inner side are the several houses and apartments of the Dean and canons of St. George’s chapel, with those of the minor canons, clerks and other officers; and on the south and west sides of the outer part, are the houses of the poor knights of Windsor. In this court are also several towers belonging to the officers of the crown, when the court is at Windsor, and to the officers of the order of the garter.

The royal apartments are on the north side of the Upper court, and are usually termed the Star building, from a star and garter in gold in the middle of the structure, on the out side next the terrace.