The Crooked House, nestled in the heart of Windsor’s market square, is a charming and unique piece of history.
Its quirky appearance and curious history make it a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals alike.
But how did this peculiar building come to be?
The Crooked House of Windsor, originally named Market Cross House, was built in 1592
The Crooked House of Windsor was located at 51 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LR.
For nearly a century, it stood firmly at the edge of Windsor’s bustling market square. During this time, the house served various purposes, including a butcher shop and a beer shop known as the Royal Standard during the Late Victorian period.
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The use of unseasoned green oak in the construction caused the house to have crooked appearance
The original structure of this house was built straight. In 1687, the local council decided to demolish Market Cross House to make room for the neighboring Guildhall (incidentally designed by Sir Christopher Wren, most famous for being the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London). This decision led to a significant legal battle over land rights.
The court ruled against the council and ordered them to rebuild the house in its original location.
Rebuilding the house quickly and cheaply became the council’s priority. They used unseasoned green oak, a type of wood that was not fully dried. As the wood dried, it warped and buckled, giving the house its now-famous crooked appearance. This hasty reconstruction resulted in the unique and endearing lean that has made the house so well-known.
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Over the years, the Crooked House has seen numerous transformations
It has been a jeweler’s shop, an antiquities store, and most notably, the oldest teahouse in England until its closure in 2015.
According to an article from 2015 (and updated in 2016), the house then was put for sale for £1.5 million. Then the house became a jewelry shop.
A secret passage from the basement of the house
One of the most intriguing features of The Crooked House of Windsor lies in its basement. Rumors suggest that a secret passage connects the building to Windsor Castle. According to legend, King Charles II used this passage to sneak out and meet his mistress, Nell Gwynn.
Some people think the passage was practical, meant for transporting goods from the market to the castle kitchens. However, many prefer the romantic tale of secret trysts.
Source: mylondonfairytales
The Shambles Bar
The historic Crooked House has reopened as a bar called The Shambles Bar. It is now managed by Pip and Hamish Denny, a husband-and-wife team that aims to create a welcoming space for the community.
The couple have long worked in the hospitality industry. Their passion for cocktail-making grew during the coronavirus lockdown. When they moved to Windsor in 2020, they fell in love with the Crooked House. So they decided to buy it to open the Shambles Bar.
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Shambles Bar offers a variety of beverages, including beers from Windsor’s Two Flints Brewery, wine by the glass, and cocktails. Guests can also enjoy sweet and savory treats. The venue aims to highlight local products and support independent businesses in Windsor.
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The bar opened just in time for the King’s coronation, adding to the festive atmosphere. Pip even had the chance to mention the new venture to Prince William during his visit to a London pub.
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Shambles Bar is set to become a favorite spot in Windsor, combining the rich history of the Crooked House with a modern, community-focused hospitality experience.
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