Blenheim Palace

Today we spent the day looking at Blenheim Palace home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site. The Duke of Marlborough was given the palace following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. There are over 2,000 acres landscaped parkland, a great lake, and beautiful formal gardens. Through exhibitions you are able to see highlights and fascinating parallel lives of Sir Winston Churchill and his much admired ancestor the 1st Duke of Marlborough.

The Visitors Entrance

On the 30th November 1874 Winston Churchill was born in the room below. His mother had a fall whilst walking the dogs and the rather rough ride home in the pony carriage it is said brought on the labour 2 months early.

Winston Churchill's Birth Room

Great Hall

Green Drawing room

Red Drawing Room

Green Writing Room

The Saloon

 The paintings on the ceiling and walls were painted in oil in 1719 at a cost of $500.

1st State Room

The Quit Rent Standard is the token rent paid annually by the Duke to the Crown the present Elizabeth II. A new flag is handed to the Crown before the 18th August each year, the anniversary of the Battle of Blenheim. If the rent is not paid the freehold of Blenheim Palace would revert to the Crown.

Quit Rent Standard

2nd State Room

3rd State Room

Palace Organ

The Library

Queen Ann

The Chapel

Plaque in the Temple

 Winston Churchill proposed to his wife on the 11th August 1908 in this the Temple to Diana.

The Rose Garden

The Cascade

The Column of Victory

View back to the Palace from the Column

Vanburgh's Grand Bridge

Views over the Italian Garden

The Secret Garden