Tags

, ,

As we were leaving the Cotswolds this past summer we decided to take a detour and see Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s childhood home and a magnificent estate outside of Oxford.

IMG_9941

Home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

IMG_9968

He lived here in his youth with his grandmother, and although his cousin inherited the estate, he always said he had fond memories of the palace.

The room in Blenheim where Winston was born.

The room in Blenheim where Winston was born.

Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill following his famous victory at the battle of Blenheim in 1704.

The entry foyer to Blenheim Palace.

The entry foyer to Blenheim Palace.

Just 8 miles from Oxford, in the town of Woodstock, Blenheim is magnificent.

IMG_9948

We were able to visit (and photograph!) the State Rooms filled with enchanting treasures from the last 300 years.

IMG_9957

One of the most amazing pieces of art for me, was the portrait of the family by John Singer Sergeant.  Can you just imagine.

IMG_9960

The dining room had magnificent examples trompe l’oeil.

IMG_9961

The Long Library was crowned with a huge organ at the end of the room.

IMG_9965

And just outside the main building is the chapel.

IMG_9969

The parkland design of over 2,000 acres was landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown in the 1760s, and although not one of the most dramatic I have seen in England, it certainly was tranquil.

IMG_9974

It switched between the very formal…

IMG_9980

and the rustic natural.

IMG_9986

We actually could see the first touches of autumn sneaking in to England on this early September morning.

IMG_9985

All in all, a very English day.

Leaving Blenheim.

Leaving Blenheim. All photos by me.