Windsor Castle IVContaining the
History of the Castle from the Reign of Charles the Second to that of
George the Third--With a few Particulars concerning the Parks and the
Forest.
ON the Restoration the castle resumed its splendour, and presented a
striking contrast to the previous gloomy period. The terrace, with its
festive groups, resembled a picture by Watteau, the courts resounded
with laughter, and the velvet sod of the home park was as often
pressed by the foot of frolic beauty as by that of the tripping deer.
Seventeen state apartments were erected by Sir Christopher Wren,
under the direction of Sir John Denham. The ceilings were painted by
Verrio, and the walls decorated with exquisite carvings by Grinling
Gibbons. A grand staircase was added at the same time. Most of the
chambers were hung with tapestry, and all adorned with pictures and
costly furniture. The addition made to the castle by Charles was the
part of the north front, then called the "Star Building," from the star of
the Order of the Garter worked in colours in the front of it, but now
denominated the "Stuart Building," extending eastward along the
terrace from Henry the Seventh's building one hundred and seventy
feet.
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