Fort Belvedere is a small country house located on Shrubs Hill within Windsor Great Park. Built in the mid-18th century, it was used as a royal residence from about 1750 until 1976 and is best known for its association with King Edward VIII. The property remains Crown-owned and is occupied by private tenants.
Location
The house stands in England, close to the village of Sunningdale in Berkshire, but administratively it falls inside the borough of Runnymede in Surrey. Its situation on Shrubs Hill gives it a secluded, parkland setting within the boundaries of Windsor Great Park.
Brief history
Fort Belvedere dates from around 1750 and was originally built as a picturesque country retreat. Over the centuries it served various members of the royal family. In the early 20th century it became particularly associated with the future Edward VIII, who used it as his country home before and during his short reign. The house is often linked in popular accounts to the events of 1936 surrounding his abdication.
Today
Although no longer a residence for working members of the royal family since 1976, Fort Belvedere remains in Crown ownership. It is not a public attraction; access is generally restricted because the building is let to private occupants.
- Type: country house / former royal residence
- Location: Shrubs Hill, Windsor Great Park
- Royal ownership: Crown property
- Public access: restricted (private tenancy)