The Queen's Guard Chamber, Windsor Castle

During the Restoration period, the Constable of Windsor Castle, Rupert, Prince Palatine of the Rhine (1619-1682) set about reorganising its interior with a vast array of weapons. Armours were fastened in geometrical patterns on the walls, along with pikes, muskets and drums – a novel form of decoration that would later also become a distinctive feature of Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London. The work was undertaken by John Harris, who became Master Gunner of Windsor Castle, and large quantities of arms and armour were moved up the Thames by barge to accommodate the projects. An observer later wrote that Prince Rupert had 'handsomely adorn'd his hall with a furniture of Armes, which was very singular'. This watercolour depicts the Queen's Guard Chamber in around 1817.