Aside from the castle, one of Windsor’s most photographed sites is likely the old Market Cross House (usually referred to as “Windsor’s Crooked House”) next to the Guildhall on Windsor High Street. The obvious question arises: “How did it get so wonky?” We’ve got the answer to this and other burning questions surrounding this curiosity.
When was the Crooked House built?
The original structure dates back to 1592, erected at what was then the edge of the town’s market square. Initially known as the “Market Cross House,” it served this purpose for nearly 100 years in an “Uncrooked” state until its demolition in 1687 to make way for the neighboring Guildhall.
At that time, a preservation society protested the demolition and insisted on the immediate rebuilding of the structure. It was reconstructed using unseasoned green oak wood, which subsequently buckled as it dried. The result? A structurally sound but curiously wonky building that continues to stand today.
Is it really the “Oldest Tea House in Britain”?
Considering its history as a butcher shop, its current iteration as a wine bar, and its previous incarnations as a jeweler, souvenir shop, brewery, and antique shop, this claim seems unlikely.
Is there a tunnel leading from the Crooked House to the castle?
While many establishments in Windsor make this assertion, and Windsor’s past is indeed rife with secret entrances and exits to the castle, most of these passages have been sealed off, including the one purportedly linked to the Market Cross House.
Can you go inside?
Absolutely! The Crooked House now hosts The Shambles, a bar and bottle shop where proprietors Pip and Hamish will gladly serve you some of Windsor’s finest cocktails, a carefully curated wine selection, delicious nibbles, and coffee. It makes the list of our top five places in Windsor for coffee and drinks, and is an excellent place to watch the Changing of the Guard or rest your feet after trudging The Long Walk.