Guidebook: Little Park

[Charles Rex]

THE LITTLE PARK

The Little Park extends around the north and east sides of the Castle, and encompasses about 500 acres of land. Once the cool morning mist has broken, many courtiers gather here to socialize and enjoy the mild temperatures. Mostly it consists of several beautiful lawns which are given over to a variety of sports and diversions. Hedges and small woods delineate different areas including a green for lawn bowls, a course for pale-maille, and an archery range that is open to men and women alike. Occasionally, tournaments and matches are held with stands erected for the spectators. There are also a great many manicured riding trails threaded among the playing fields, which offer a milder alternative to the unkempt tracks in the rest of the Great Park. For those interested in less vigorous pursuits, there is also a small pond, encircled by a gentle walking path. Every morning and evening, the shrubs and bowers surrounding the pond are alive with the rustlings and cheerful strains of songbirds as they feverishly consume the feast of seeds & berries that will sustain them through the long winter.

THAMES ESPLANADE

The Thames River winds past Windsor to the north and west of the Castle. As in London, it provides an expedient route for reaching the royal residence, and is often quite busy with the comings and goings of the nobility as well as the merchant traffic for Windsor Town. On a gentle rise, above the tidal waters and beyond the hustle and bustle of the docks, runs an avenue, two carriages wide, which offers spectacular views of both the waterway and the Castle. In years past, this unobstructed panorama was essential for the security of the keep, but in more peaceful times it has become a popular place for riding, driving, and being seen. Scattered at occasional intervals along the shoulder of the roadway are a few benches which overlook the River and invite passers-by to stop and enjoy the picturesque scene, including the towers of Eton College on the far bank.

[Charles Rex]

ROYAL NURSERY

The Royal Nursery had stood dark and vacant for well over a year once the Duchess of Cleveland and her brood of royal bastards had quit it, and Queen Catherine had failed to produce a live child. In recent months, however, the Tudor mansion had undergone a transformation as it was prepared for new residents. The red brick façade had been cleared of creeping vines and the spacious grounds & gardens reclaimed from the weeds and brambles that had invaded from the nearby forest. The windows and chimneys were cleaned, and the furniture uncovered, repaired, and replaced as necessary. With fresh paint and new fixtures, it was ready to receive its new residents. Lady Alyth, Lady Portsmouth, and Mistress Gwynn, all mistresses of the King, would share the home with their offspring.

The ground floor was given over the public rooms that would be shared by all. There is a formal salon, stylishly appointed in crimson and gold, the walls hung with portraits of the King and each of the ladies in residence, as well as a sitting area with a large settee, two upholstered armchairs, and an inlaid coffee table. There is also a more informal receiving room, decorated in shades of pale blue, which is often used for reading or sewing, as it boasts several large windows that look upon the gardens. Small sofas and cozy armchairs are scattered throughout, and there is also a pianoforte in one corner. There is also a modest Library, with two chairs situated beside a small fireplace. Finally, there is the dining room, lavishly decorated with oak-paneled walls and a trompe-l'œil ceiling featuring playful cherubs, and a long table with seating for twelve.

The first floor is given over to apartments for the ladies themselves. There are four total, one in each corner of the house, and they are identical in their layout. The door from the hallway opens into a small sitting room, perfect for spending time with one’s children. There is a fireplace with a portrait of the King hung above it, two chairs, and a writing desk. From the sitting room, a second door leads to the bedchamber, which features a large curtained bed, another fireplace, a chaise lounge set beneath the window, a dressing table, and room enough for a bassinet. From the bedroom, there is also a doorway leading into a closet with space for a maid’s pallet. The four apartments are each decorated with a different theme: birds & botanicals with shades of green, patterns of the Orient with shades of purple, floral patterns with lace and pastel coloring, and mythology with shades of blue.

The second floor is for housing the children. There are a total of 6 bedrooms, each large enough to hold two small beds or bassinets. There are also common spaces that mimic those on the ground floor: a small library with a table for lessons; two small parlors, one each for the older & younger children; and a small dining room. Lastly is a stairway leading up to the third floor, an attic, where the household staff resides.