THE QUEEN'S BALLROOM

We are in Edward III's nursery wing. This room was made into a ballroom, with a ceiling by Verrio, by Charles II for his queen and resembled the next two apartments until re-designed for George IV. It is in strong contrast to Hugh May's former flamboyant room. Once it housed only Van Dycks but now there are paintings by Gainsborough, Canaletto and the American artists Benjamin West and John Singleton Copley whose most charming painting depicts the three youngest daughters of George III; the Princess Mary, Sophia and Amelia. Windsor Castle is visible in the distance showing the Round Tower before it was altered by Wyatville.