Throughout the 18^th Century, during the reigns of George I and George II, Windsor Castle experienced varying times of un-use and neglect. Both monarchs preferred other homes such as St. James’s, Kensington, or Hampton Court. These locations were more central to the city of London, as Windsor is more far removed (around 20 miles or so outside of the city). By staying close to the capital city of London, these monarchs claimed they were able to be more in tune with the latest social and political life of the city than they could have been at Windsor Castle. The early 1700s was a particularly important time in London’s history as The Bank of England was just founded in 1694.

Obviously, from long periods of little to no occupation from the royal family, Windsor Castle experienced some neglect and disrepair, as well as the apartments generally falling out of the trends of the time. Some of the apartments were offered to friends of the Crown, but it was largely un-used. Additionally, during this time, the castle was opened for wealthy tourists who wanted to tour the inside of the castle, until eventually the general public was also able to take tours of the grounds and property.

However, following the ascension of George III in 1760, this narrative changed. George III much rather preferred Windsor to any of the properties in London. He did some major renovations to the castle to help repair some of the aforementioned disrepair and outdated elements. He also purchased properties around Windsor such as the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, which became a hunting lodge and country retreat for the royal family. George III would often go out of his way to remain in Windsor as much as possible, and his admiration for the town was reflected back at him. During his reign at Windsor, the children of the town were often seen playing on the grounds of the castle and King George III and his wife were often seen around the town doing their shopping. His love of Windsor set the scene for Queen Victoria to use it as her primary residence in the following century.

Ditchfield, William Page. “Windsor Castle: History | British History Online.” Www.british-History.ac.uk, 1923, www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/berks/vol3/pp5-29. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

McQuillian, Kate. “The Legacy of King George III - College of St George.” College of St George, 29 Jan. 2020, www.stgeorges-windsor.org/image_of_the_month/the-legacy-of-king-george-iii/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Royal Collection Trust. “Visiting Windsor Castle through the Centuries.” Www.rct.uk, www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/visiting-windsor-castle-through-the-cent.... Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Zatz, Sydney. “Windsor Castle: Its Origins as a Royal Residence - Royal Central.” Royal Central, 12 Mar. 2022, royalcentral.co.uk/features/windsor-castle-its-origins-as-a-royal-residence-173728/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.