The chapel contains the elaborate tomb of King Edward IV, which was the first to be completed in the structure.
The fan vaulting in the ceiling is considered one of the finest examples of late medieval masonry in England.
The stalls in the quire are topped with the banners and crests of the current Knights and Ladies of the Garter.
Henry VI's body was moved to the chapel in 1484, and his presence turned the site into a major pilgrimage destination.
The chapel's stained glass windows include significant 19th-century replacements that followed damage from the English Civil War.
Members of the Order of the Garter have their own designated stall within the quire, marked by a brass plate.
The chapel's ironwork on the doors is original to the 15th century and was crafted by the medieval smith John Tresilian.
It is the site of the annual Garter Day procession, where members of the order walk from the castle to the chapel.
The burial vault of the Hanoverian kings is located beneath the chapel floor.
The chapel's architecture was intended by Edward IV to demonstrate the power and legitimacy of the Yorkist dynasty.
St George's Chapel is the premier example of English Perpendicular Gothic architecture, located within the walls of Windsor Castle. It serves as the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter and is the final resting place of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, and Elizabeth II. Construction began in 1475 under the reign of Edward IV and was completed over half a century later. The interior features a famous stone fan-vaulted ceiling and intricate wood carvings in the quire. The chapel functions as a Royal Peculiar, meaning it is exempt from the jurisdiction of the local bishop and is directly responsible to the sovereign. It remains an active place of worship with daily services held for residents and visitors. The building houses the Albert Memorial Chapel, which serves as a secondary royal burial site.
The exterior view from the Lower Ward courtyard provides the best perspective of the Gothic facade.
Check the official website for service schedules, as the chapel closes to tourists during religious ceremonies.
Look for the black marble slab in the floor of the Quire which marks the entrance to the Royal Vault.
Allow time to appreciate the detailed wood carvings on the misericords, which depict both religious and secular scenes.
Do not attempt to visit on Sundays for tourism, as it is reserved for worshipers only.
Closed to visitors on Sundays. May close periodically for royal events or private ceremonies.
Maintain silence, remove hats, and refrain from photography inside the chapel.
