BLENHEIM PALACE
New Home of “The Royals” and Winston Churchill 2015
It’s an accident of history and perhaps just a marriage away that the impressive estate in Oxfordshire with the German name is not the home of the kings and queens of England, but now, at least on television, it is, with its appearance as filming location setting of “The Royals”, and the backdrop of the back bedroom intrigues and escapades of an ersatz royal family. Blenheim Palace is one of the great estates of England, and one of the most impressive examples of English Baroque architecture. Yet, the “palace” of Blenheim does not belong to the English royal family, but to the Dukes of Marlborough. It is one of the few palatial residences in England not built by a family’s wealth but by the state for the private use of one family. The 18th Century architectural masterpiece was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built on the order of the English Parliament as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, for his victory in 1704 over the French and Bavarians at the Battle of Blenheim. Hence, an English palace with a German name designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987.
Before the Marlboroughs took up residence, the grounds were the site of the country getaway country castle of the Plantagenet kings at Woodstock, where Henry II rendezvous'd for romantic trysts with his mistress Rosamund and where Edward the Black Prince was born to Edward III and his young Queen Philippa (see Tower
of London to Mortimer's Hole). Blenheim Palace occupies a massive grounds with many beautiful gardens, offering walks by pools and lakes, along with historic displays and scheduled activities. Located about 40 minutes from Oxford and Stratford, Blenheim Palace is a must visit for seekers of great historic mansions and now a film location representing the sumptuous royal lifestyle.
At Blenheim Palace you'll find the incredibly ornate burial monument to the 1st Marlborough Duke, who could have been buried at Westminster if he wanted to (see Westminster
Abbey), but chose to stay at home. Large estates have become entertainment industries of themselves over time as tourist attractions and family activity centers for concerts, contests and events. It’s almost hard to imagine that great palaces with gift shops, concession stands and concert stages on the lawn were once homes to one family, but Blenheim Palace is still a private family home, if a large and magnificent one, the residence of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.
Winston Churchill Birthplace
Blenheim Palace also has its place in the non-royal life of English history as the birthplace of Winston Churchill, who came a few centuries after the first Churchill duke. Winston, though well-born was never really in line for the title, born at Blenheim on November 30, 1874, the son of Lord Randolph Churchill, himself the third son of the 7th Duke. Winston became as much or more a hero than his great ancestor. although in the halls of government, or perhaps tunnels (see Churchill
Museum Cabinet War Rooms) rather than the battlefield.
An exhibit of the histories of both great men is presented inside the palace and Winston’s smoking jacket and slippers are on display in one of the small anterooms, waiting as if he might return one day. 2015 marks several Winston Churchill Anniversaries with special exhibits.
Blenheim Palace - The Untold Story Vitual Tour
The story of Blenheim is no longer “untold” as an interactive audio-visual presentation of the “Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story” is recounted in a 35 minute virtual tour experience, where the “ghost” of the first Duchess’ maid, Grace Ridley, guides from room to room through the back hall hidden history of Blenheim, revealing the true family story secrets and seen through the eyes of the household staff. The tour exhibit leads to graphic digital panels, and touch screen consoles which add extra information to the connection between the Marlboroughs and the Spencers and the 1st Duke’s affair with the mistress of King Charles II.
Palace Tours
The palace rooms of the Great Hall and the State Rooms with the exquisite collection of historic furnishing, stunning tapestries and ornate ceilings are at the heart of touring the palace. A variety of themed tours are offered of the palace and the grounds. Tours of the private apartments where the current Duke and his family still live are available for an extra charge during the summer months. The Pleasure Gardens have special exhibits and there also a maze and an adventure playground for the kids, who may not have the same interest in old royalty antiques as their parents. A rideable train runs between the gardens and the main house. The palace also hosts a variety of special events from February to December, including music concerts, car rallies, craft fairs and even a jousting tournament. Check the official website for up-to-date events information.
Visiting Blenheim Palace and Park
Opening hours for the park are 9am to 6pm daily with the palace itself open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Admission prices for Blenheim Palace including the Palace State Rooms, the shows and Pleasure Gardens are £22.50 for Adults, £18 for Students and Seniors and £12.30 for Children, with a Family Ticket for £59. Tickets for just the Gardens and the Park are £13.50, £10.20 and £6.60 respectively. By car, Belnheim Palce is about an hour and half from London and 20 minutes from Oxford. Bus service runs from Oxford with a special ticket discount. For UK tourists or frequent return visits, the Palace offers season tickets to the palace, park and events. © Bargain Travel Europe
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Blenheim Palace
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Stay at the Best Western Jersery
Arms Hotel or the
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Hotel Woodstock
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PARK - "THE HAUNTING" HOTEL
SHAKESPEARE
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