Situated in the Oxfordshire countryside, Blenheim Palace is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Nearly 300 years old, this World Heritage Site, exudes much beauty and grandeur. Its stunning Baroque architecture and fascinating history make it the most beautiful Palace in Britain.
Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built in the early 18th- century, this beautiful palace was gifted to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, from Queen Anne. In fact, Queen Anne and the Duke’s portrait are situated in the centre of the minstrel gallery, in the Palace’s Great Hall. Visitors are graced with the 67 feet high Hall, upon entering the Palace. Its ceiling, boasting a magnificent painting by Sir James Thornhill -who also painted the Dome of St.Paul’s artist. It is evident from even The Great Hall alone, that great craftsmanship has gone into creating such a stunning palace.
The Palace State Rooms contain an extensive and world-renowned collection of portraits, furniture, sculptures and tapestries which date back from as far as 300 years ago. From the west side of the State Rooms, runs The Long Library. Initially, Vanbrugh had designed it as a picture gallery and it was the last room to be decorated, however by the time of the Third Duke of Marlborough, the gallery was turned into a library. Boasting a sum of over 10,000 books. This 55 meter plus library, is lined with bookshelves along every wall. Black panels and portraits decorate this grand room.
Created through centuries, the Palace’s formal gardens are heavily aesthetic. Designed by the likes of Henry Wise and Achille Duchêne, the garden is full of botanical surprises. The Formal Gardens surround the Palace, and include the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke's Private Italian Garden, the Secret Garden with, the new Churchill Memorial Garden and the Rose Garden, which are stunning in their own right. Statues adorn the gardens, and the water features bring the utmost tranquillity and beauty to the scenery.
It would be a great shame to not visit such a culturally enriching and awe-inspiring Palace.
