But though frequently wrested from him at this period,
Windsor Castle was never long out of Henry's possession; and in 1265
the chief citizens of London were imprisoned till they had paid the
heavy fine imposed upon them for their adherence to Simon de
Montford, who had been just before slain at the battle of Evesham.
During this reign a terrific storm of wind and thunder occurred, which
tore up several great trees in the park, shook the castle, and blew
down a part of the building in which the queen and her family were
lodged, but happily without doing them injury.
Four of the children of Edward the First, who was blessed with a
numerous offspring, were born at Windsor; and as he frequently resided
at the castle, the town began to increase in importance and
consideration. By a charter granted in 1276 it was created a free
borough, and various privileges were conferred on its inhabitants. Stow
tells us that in 1295, on the last day of February, there suddenly arose
such a fire in the castle of Windsor that many offices were therewith
consumed, and many goodly images, made to beautify the buildings,
defaced and deformed.
Edward the Second, and his beautiful but perfidious queen, Isabella of
France, made Windsor Castle their frequent abode; and here, on the
13th day of November 1312 at forty minutes past five in the morning,
was born a prince, over whose nativity the wizard Merlin must have
presided.
Pages:
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257