A sea of green gardens surrounds Windsor Castle (温莎城堡) in the English countryside. It looks out onto the River Thames and sits next to a hunting ground. It was built just outside of London to protect the capital from enemies on the west side.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied (在使用的) castle in the world. It was built just after 1066. The castle has a long, rich and troubled history. If the castle walls could talk, they'd have many stories to tell.
Kings were born and died here. It's been used as a home for kings and queens for centuries. However, it was also used as a prison during the English Civil War (1642-1651). King Charles I was even a prisoner there. During World War II, the royal family secretly slept at Windsor Castle because it was safer than London's urban areas. All of the windows were blacked out.
Today, Windsor Castle is the private home of Queen Elizabeth II. When she is not meeting guests at Buckingham Palace, she stays at Windsor Castle. But that's not all. Windsor Castle is open to the public. It is now one of England's most popular attractions. Visitors can look at some of the world's finest works of art, including the paintings of Rembrandt (伦勃朗), as well as enjoy its well-kept gardens. What better way to learn about England than to enjoy some of the country's finest scenery?
