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.
The
2000 acre grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown and are a marvel.
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.
What
a great library!
Lovely pics! These English palaces have a snobbish charm of their own
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun place, isn't it. How I love the great houses and their treasures!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is stunning! Can you imagine having parts of your home open to the public?
ReplyDelete