Saturday 20 July 2013

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace Woodstock Oxfordshire


Blenheim Palace isn't too far out from London – about an hour and a half.  It isn't a Royal Palace but its history is important.  It is close to Woodstock (no, not that Woodstock) in Oxfordshire.  It is pronounced Blen-him by the way.

It is the only Palace that is neither royal nor attached to a bishop's residence.  It was built in the early 1700's.

It has some more modern historical connections too – both to Winston Churchill and Lady Diana who were related.  Winston Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace.

At the end of the 19th century the Palace was saved from ruin by the marriage of the then Duke to an American heiress from that well known family the Vanderbilt's.

Blenheim Palace Woodstock Oxfordshire


The 2000 acre grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown and are a marvel.

Blenheim Palace Woodstock Oxfordshire


Although the Palace is open to the public – or at least parts of it are – it is still the home of the current Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.  He is the 11th Duke.

Library, Blenheim Palace Woodstock Oxfordshire


What a great library!

Interior, Blenheim Palace Woodstock Oxfordshire


Fancy having a house like this in the family!  I gather that you can have weddings there – I bet that would cost a bomb!
Pin It

3 comments:

  1. Lovely pics! These English palaces have a snobbish charm of their own

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's a fun place, isn't it. How I love the great houses and their treasures!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! That is stunning! Can you imagine having parts of your home open to the public?

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are most welcome. I have currently disabled anonymous comments due to unwanted spam. Cheers