We spent the day at Blenheim Palace, located 8 miles outside of Oxford. It is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill who was the grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough and spent a considerable amount of time at the Palace.
The Palace was built to celebrate the victory over the French during the Wars of the Spanish Succession, and was a "gift" to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, a military commander who led the Allied forces into battle on August 13, 1704 at Blindheim (Blenheim). Accordingly, the Duke ensured the Palace became a monument to Queen Anne, who granted the Manor of Woodstock and the promise of funds require to build the Palace to the Marlboroughs. However, the 1st Duchess (Sarah) did not wish for such a grand residence and had many arguments with the architect, causing the architect to resign. Sarah, being a strong willed woman, fell out of favour with Queen Anne, and court intrigue made the most of this falling out and for a short while the Marlboroughs left the country; consequently, the royal funds for the Palace dried up, and building came to a halt in the summer of 1712. Eventually the Palace was completed at the Duke's own expense and over the years, several Dukes have made a considerable difference to Blenheim, but the greatest impact was made by the 9th Duke who grated formal gardens, restred the Great Court and replanted the entrance and Grand Avenue. In total he had half a million trees planted in the Park.
Photos from top to bottom:
Christine, Rachel & Tyler at the Palace entrance
Formal Gardens
Lunch on the Terrace
Rachel and I in the "Secret Garden"
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