The Crooked House of Windsor History
Can you imagine Windsor 400 years ago? Queen Elizabeth I was still on the throne. Shakespeare was writing his plays. And the original The Crooked House of Windsor, known historically as Market Cross House, was built, in 1592.
Until then, on market days, local farmers had met nearer the castle, at the town’s original market cross, where Queen Victoria’s statue is currently located. In 1687, because of an acrimonious land dispute, the council ordered this first Market Cross House to be demolished. The building that survives now is what was rebuilt soon after. It acquired its famous tilt after being restructured in 1718 with unseasoned green oak.
The Secret Passage
There is a secret passage to Windsor Castle, now blocked, from its basement. This is reputed to have been used both for the illicit meeting between King Charles and his mistress, Nell Gywn and for taking provisions to the castle kitchens.
What Was it Before?
It was originally a butcher’s shop; but over the centuries the building has housed many types of businesses. It has been a jeweler, a brewery, an antique shop, and a gift shop in the past.
