the 13th
day of November 1312 at forty minutes past five in the morning
Four of the children of Edward the First , who was blessed with a numerous offspring , were born at Windsor ; and as he frequently resided at the castle , the town began to increase in importance and consideration . By a charter granted in 1276 it was created a free borough , and various privileges were conferred on its inhabitants . Stow tells us that in 1295 , on the last day of February , there suddenly arose such a fire in the castle of Windsor that many offices were therewith consumed , and many goodly images , made to beautify the buildings , defaced and deformed . Edward the Second , and his beautiful but perfidious queen , Isabella of France , made Windsor Castle their frequent abode ; and here , on the 13th day of November 1312 at forty minutes past five in the morning , was born a prince , over whose nativity the wizard Merlin must have presided . Baptized within the old chapel by the name of Edward , this prince became afterwards the third monarch of the name , and the greatest , and was also styled , from the place of his birth , EDWARD OF WINDSOR . Comprising the Third Great Epoch in the History of the Castle -- And showing how the Most Noble Order of the Garter was instituted . Strongly attached to the place of his birth , Edward the Third , by his letters patent dated from Westminster , in the twenty-second year of his reign , now founded the ancient chapel established by Henry the First , and dedicated it to the Virgin , Saint George of Cappadocia , and Saint Edward the Confessor ; ordaining that to the eight canons appointed by his predecessor there should be added one custos , fifteen more canons , and twenty-four alms-knights ; the whole to be maintained out of the revenues with which the chapel was to be endowed .