EXCURSIONS,

EXCURSION SHEET                                         BLENHEIM PALACE

·        Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill

·        It is set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscape; the magnificent Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, award-winning formal gardens and the great Lake, offering a unforgettable day out for all.

·        Blenheim Palace is a unique example of English Baroque architecture. Inside, the scale of the Palace is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room. On the first floor “Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story” brings to life enticing tales from the last 300 years. It is situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford; the Palace was created a World Heritage site in 1987.Within the Palace, you can see the State Rooms filled with examples of superb craftsmanship and treasures collected over the last 300 years.

·        The Churchill Exhibition set around the room where Winston was born. Moving through the beautiful state rooms, there are amazing collections of porcelain, portraits, furniture and tapestries. Sweeping lawns surround the Palace and the spectacular 'Capability' Brown parkland stretches for over 2000 acres.

·        The Palace was created to celebrate victory over the French during the Wars of the Spanish Succession. In particular it was a gift to the First Duke of Marlborough. He was the military commander who skilfully led the Allied forces into battle on 13th August 1704 at Blindheim (Blenheim). After the Battle Marlborough personally received the surrender of Marshall Talland, leader of the French forces.

The actual building of the Palace was not trouble free. The first problem was that the Duchess did not want such a grand residence. She hoped for a smaller country house designed for comfort first and status second. She had many arguments with the architect Vanbrugh until Vanbrugh resigned. Sarah, the First Duchess, being a strong willed woman unfortunately fell out of favour with the Queen. Court intrigue made the most of this and for a short while the Marlboroughs even left the country. The second problem was therefore that Royal funds for the Palace dried up. Building of the Palace came to a halt in the summer of 1712. Eventually the Palace was completed at the Duke’s own expense