In the shadow of Windsor’s Royal Castle sits one of the most distinctive and recognisable buildings in the whole of the UK. Market Cross House, more commonly known as Crooked House of Windsor, attracts attention with its highly unusual appearance and surprising history dating back to the late 16th century. The silhouette of the small building seems to defy the rules of gravity and also holds many secrets and has been a must-see for Windsor visitors for years.
History of an architectural curiosity
The original building on this site was erected in 1592 and stood at the time on the edge of the town’s market place. It was then known as Market Cross House. The building served the surrounding community for nearly a century. It was rented by a butcher as there was a meat market in the immediate vicinity. The structure of the property was fully stable and not particularly distinctive. In 1687, the house was demolished to make room for the newly built town hall. The decision to remove the landmark building sparked protests from the city’s architectural heritage preservation community. Under public pressure, the building was reconstructed, but this was done in haste, using unseasoned oak wood. As it dried, the material deformed, leading to the distinctive lean-to that is still visible today and has made the house famous. The building has three storeys and bay windows at the front and in the courtyard. It has been listed as a building of special cultural interest.
Crooked House of Windsor with a past and a legend
Crooked House of Windsor has, over the years, gained status as one of the most photographed buildings in the city. Its history and peculiar form has also become the subject of much speculation and legend. One of these concerns the existence of a secret passage connecting the building to the royal castle. According to a local story, it was used by Charles II himself to meet the actress and mistress Nell Gwyn. This passage, if it actually existed, was eventually bricked up, as were other underground passages at Windsor. The interior of the cottage itself has retained little of its historic features, apart from the fireplace and exposed ceiling beams.
Facts and myths about the oldest tea house in the country
Some sources claim that the Crooked House of Windsor is the oldest tea room in the UK, but this is difficult to confirm. The building has been home to a variety of businesses over the years, including a butcher’s shop, jeweller, brewery, gift shop, antique shop and wine bar. In 2017, the historic building underwent a renovation. It is now home to The Shambles bar and liquor shop. Here you can sample local wines, cocktails and snacks, and enjoy a coffee while watching the changing of the guard or relaxing after a walk along The Long Walk.
In Poland, you can also see this type of building. It is the Crooked House in Sopot. Even though the building was built quite recently and its curves are the work of an architect and not a coincidence, it is still known not only in the country but also abroad. We wrote about the Sopot house HERE.
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The cottage in the early 20th century and in 2021. Photo by Exploring GB and Google Maps
