Curfew Tower Trip

Even on a distinctly grey and damp day, one of the most prominent sites of Windsor Castle, from near and far, is the Curfew Tower. Situated on the curve of Thames Street it is an eye catching tower in its’ own right, but what singles it out from the many towers and turrets of the castle is the distinctive belfry roof, with the equally distinctive clock face. The clock was designed by John Davis in the 17 th century and still contains some of the original parts. Equally, amazing the medieval timber framing of the belfry remains intact, although now completely hidden behind 19 th century alterations.

The Curfew Tower was built between 1227 and 1230 and for several centuries it was known as the Clewer Tower. Later it was known as the Bell Tower as it was used for this purpose during the building of St George’s Chapel. The present roof replaced an earlier square belfry, when restoration work was being undertaken about 1863and is copy of one at La Tour du Tresau, Carcassonne in France. Interestingly the alterations to the roof may well have been undertaken at the suggestion of Napoleon III.

The lower floor of the tower once had a much more sinister role, that of a dungeon. The walls are 13 feet thick in places, making it ideal for the purpose. It was here that 35 visitors from St Michael’s were entertained to an excellent lunch and a fascinating talk about the tower its history, construction and some of its reluctant residents. We learnt that at the top of the tower there is a cannon that is still pointing directly at Windsor Bridge. We also learnt of the prisoner who decided to tunnel out from his cell. Unfortunately for him, although most dungeons are deep underground, the one in the Curfew Tower is 30 feet above ground level; he did not get very far!

Being a well-behaved group the stocks kept which are kept in one of the cells were not required on this occasion and nobody did ever admit to having eaten in a prison before!

From here we moved onto the Archives and Chapter Library. The library has been an integral part of the life of St George’s Chapel since it was established in 1348. The first books, which of course, were few and far between, were originally kept chained to desks within the Chapel. A separate library was built in 1480 but the collection comprising over 6,000 rare books, still in their original binding is now housed in the former Priest Vicars’ Hall.

The historical books and artefacts were brought to life by our enthusiastic guides. On display outside the Archives were the only pieces of painted glass left from the original St George’s Chapel, the illuminated manuscripts and various documents relating to the order of the Garter and much more were all on display. Various books of sermons dating from the 17 th century were also there including an order of service to be said after the Great Fire of London in 1666.

In the actual archives where many of the ancient books are kept at a perfect temperature are many rare volumes, including a rare edition of John Wyclffes handwritten Bible: the first to be written in English, still in its original binding.

The archivists had gone to great lengths to have on display many of the books and documents that related to Bray; from books and letters written by past vicars of Bray to deeds and agreements relating to properties in the area.

While in the Archives we adopted, on behalf of St Michaels one of the many books there. We had particularly asked for one associated with Bray and although the title appears to have little to do with St Michael’s or Bray; “ England’s restoration paral’d in Judah’s: or The primitive judge and counsellor. A sermon given at Abingdon Assizes, August 1689, all becomes clear when you realise that the sermon was written by Francis Carswell, one of George’s predecessors as Vicar of Bray.

This was a fascinating look behind the scenes of Windsor Castle and an opportunity to see some of the vast collection of historical documents and books that remain intact after hundreds of years.

Adopt a Book Scheme
You will see from our visit to Windsor Castle that we adopted a book on behalf of St Michaels. The repair of the ancient books in the library is an ongoing project which requires funding. The “Adopt a Book” scheme is an innovative idea that enables people to make a contribution to maintaining our heritage. Inside the book that you adopt there will be a bookplate that can be inscribed with your name family or group. You may wish to commemorate a special event or anniversary. A donation of £25 will adopt a book printed after 1700, a £50 donation – a book printed from 1601 – 1700. A £100 donation for a book printed from 1501 – 1600 and a donation of £200 enables you to adopt a manuscript book or book printed prior to 1501. Smaller donations are also welcome and individual gifts over £10 are recorded in a benefactors’ book, kept on display in the library. Further details can be obtained from
Dr. Eileen Scarff, the Archivist and Chapter Librarian on 01753 848688.

Ken Amery
14th april 2006