Blenheim Palace - A Brief History
In 1704 John Churchill (1650-1722), the 1st Duke of Marlborough, defeated the French at the Battle of Blenheim. Queen Anne gave the Duke the manor of Woodstock and had the palatial home of Blenheim Palace built for him in gratitude.
Blenheim Palace was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and Sir John Vanbrugh and on 30th November 1874 was the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Britain's World War II leader. Winston Churchill was born in the suite of rooms that lie to the west of the Great Hall. These rooms house the Churchill Exhibition that give a fascinating insight into his life.
It was in the grounds of Blenheim Palace that Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine. They married in 1908.
Work started on Blenheim Palace, with Sir John Vanbrugh as the principal architect. However, the duke's wife (Sarah Jennings) wanted Christopher Wren as architect and was soon at loggerheads with Vanbrugh. And with Queen Anne having second thoughts and stifling the flow of money, construction work was halted.
Work was only finished on Blenheim Palace after the Duke's death when his widow Sarah ended up paying most of the bills and designing much of the interior herself.
Events at Blenheim Palace during 2008
24th May – 8th June
Henry Taunt Exhibition
PPG + P&G
An exhibition of the celebrated Victorian Oxford based photographer.
7th & 8th June
Blenheim Palace Triathlon - P&G
11th - 21st June
Midsummer Night's Dream
Evening outdoor theatre - Separate admission applies
19th July
Battle Proms - evening picnic concert
The Battle Proms is an outdoor concert with a unique combination of superb classical music, 200 cannons, cavalry displays and impressive fireworks. Spectacular spitfire flying display in 2008.
Visit www.battleproms.com
Separate admission prices apply.
19th July - 31st August
Victorian Servants and Domestic Service at Blenheim Palace. PPG + P&G
Summer holiday costumed entertainment in the Great Court. Meet our Victorian Butler and Housemaid who will tell you what life was like for the Household staff at Blenheim Palace.
25th - 27th July
The 50th CLA Game Fair
The hugely popular CLA Game Fair returns to Blenheim Palace every four years.
Visit www.gamefair.co.uk
Separate admission prices apply.
8th - 10th August
Jousting and the Victorians Featuring 'The Knights of Royal England' P&G
13th - 17th August
The Imperial Ice Stars present The Sleeping Beauty on Ice
Visit www.imperialicestars.com
Separate admission prices apply.
23rd – 25th (August Bank Holiday)
Living Heritage Oxfordshire Craft Show P&G
The country craft show returns to Blenheim Palace and includes some of the finest craftsmen, artists and designers in the country.
Visit www.craft-show.co.uk
For further information about Blenheim Palace, opening times and admission prices please call 01993 811091 or visit the website at www.blenheimpalace.com