Join us to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of IWFS in the historic setting of the medieval Vicars’ Hall at Windsor Castle
The location that is synonymous with the British Royal Family has been here for nearly a thousand years. The original castle was built by William the Conqueror, post the last time that England was invaded in 1066. It is the longest occupied Palace in Europe. Inside the castle walls is the 15th-century St George’s Chapel, considered by the historian John Martin Robinson to be “one of the supreme achievements of English Perpendicular Gothic” design. The chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter where the knights’ banners are displayed. There is an invitation for you to attend evensong in the Chapel at 5.15 pm. To be allowed to sit in the seats of the Order of the Garter for their ceremony and hear the choir sing is a treat for the ears of musicians. Built in the 1400 it is of course the location of several recent Royal marriages and the resting place of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Then we will gather for a reception, followed by dinner in the Vicars’ Hall. The Vicar’s Hall https://www.stgeorgeshouse.org/envira/the-vicars-hall/ constructed in 1415 is high on the battlements with a wonderful view across the Berkshire countryside, and has a spectacular timbered ceiling. To give an idea of the location where you will dining, think of a young Queen Elizabeth sitting in the room, watching one of the first performances of a new young playwright. The play was “The six wives of Henry VIII”. The playwright was of course a young William Shakespeare, the Queen was Elizabeth I. thought to be in the 1590’s.
The format of the evening will be:
17.15 to be seated in the seats of the Order of the Garter for evensong in St George’s Chapel.
18.30 Welcome drinks on the Lookout, with superb views of the Castle grounds and the surrounding area. {In the event of inclement weather we will move into the Dean’s Cloister with the permission of the Dean.}
19.30 Dinner in the Vicar’s Hall. We will be treated to a 3 course meal with matching wines.
22.00 Leave the Hall for a tour of St George’s Chapel by one of the Military Knights.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dine in a prestigious location not available to the general public, so early booking is strongly advised. Members of all IWFS branches worldwide will be invited.
Parking has been arranged on the Parade Ground inside the castle. You will enter by Henry VIII’s gateway. Parking will be right in front of you. You will then walk-through Horseshoe Cloister, {a private area} to the Lookout in front of you . Henry VIII gateway is at the bottom of the picture. The steps to St. George’s Chapel are to the left of the building.
Please note that security will be quite extensive; details vary from time to time. You will need to have photo ID with you, and it is vital that the name that we have on your booking is the same as on the ID. We will contact you to confirm this information, and for details of your car where relevant, about 6 weeks before the event. Please be aware that you will be in a private part of the castle and therefore be considerate of their privacy and quiet. Photographs are allowed but not inside the chapel without permission.