Blenheim Palace

Last weekend we visited Blenheim Palace, the family home and birthplace of Winston Churchill which is only 7 miles from our flat. The grounds are immense and beautifully kept. We took the guided tour of the house and walked the grounds but closing time came before we saw the casual garden (with a maze) or ride the miniature train.

Lori, Matthew, and me in front of our home here.

Okay, I am kidding. This is Blenheim Palace. The 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough currently lives in the left wing, and oldest part, of the palace. The right wing contains the second largest room in a private house with a library at one end and a pipe organ at the other.

Behind the right wing of the previous photo is this two-tiered formal garden. Here Lori is standing next to a small planter on the lower level. Paths can be accessed from here to walk the grounds and view the lake.

Tea time at the palace.

Now I know why dinner time is so late in England. Everyone is full from tea until 8 pm!

Our handsome heroes. Note the ever present umbrellas (brollys).

My queen and prince in front of the palace.

The property was leased by Queen Anne to John Churchill for defeating the French at the Battle of Blenheim (Bavaria) in 1704 thereby breaking the French domination of Europe. The queen also gave him money to build a grand home. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Blenheim)

The lease continues to be the presentation of a French royal flag each September to the queen commemorating the surrender of the French. The current Duke had delivered his flag for 2011 the week before our visit.

John Churchill was the 1st Duke of Marlborough. Winston Churchill was the 7th Duke of Marlborough. The 11th Duke of Marlborough currently live at Blenheim Palace with his wife. We hoped to have tea with them but they already had plans.

The Column of Victory.

This 40 metre tall monument appeared to be a short walk from the palace.

It was quite a hike through a sheep pasture (caution: stinky shoes!).

The inscription on the side explained the Battle of Blenheim in detail.

Foreground: Matthew

Background: Column of Victory

In between: 254 sheep

A sheep, taken by Matthew as he approached.

The sheep, taken by Matthew after he got too close.

This is the location where Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine; reenacted.

Our admission entitled us to a free one year membership so we can return to visit, relax in the gardens, stroll the paths, or enjoy a tea. We are planning more visits and look forward to acting as tour guides when all of you come to visit.

Thanks for reading. Cheers!