Rate it
Helpful Tools
Blenheim Palace
The year 1704 saw the most significant British victory over France for centuries. Queen Anne honoured military leader John Churchill by giving him Blenheim Palace and the title Duke of Marlborough. Blenheim's design was commissioned to the eminent playwright turned architect Vanbrugh. Despite a number of infamous arguments with Devonshire's somewhat fearsome wife who wanted a more modest country abode, Vanbrugh's flair for drama gave Blenheim the magnificent theatrical splendour you see today.
You won't help but be impressed by the breath-taking view from the Great Court, the showpiece chimneys sporting 30 foot finials and the immense proportions of the Great Hall with its magnificent Thornhill ceiling. The Duke made it difficult for the visitors to forget his military achievements. Tapestries recording his triumphs swamp the staterooms and features such as the two British lions sinking their teeth into French cockerels above the entrance are prominent for all to see.
In the 20th century Devonshire's association with Blenheim became eclipsed by that of another great military leader. Devonshire's descendent, Winston Churchill was another resident of Blenheim. Winston - responsible for leading Britain during the Second World War and helping save Europe from Nazi domination - was born at Blenheim. Today you can visit the more modest ground floor room where he was born. The family title is now held by the 11th Duke, the Duke of Marlborough.
- Behind The Scenes: Jousting Knights
- The History of Blenheim Palace
- Highlights and events at Blenheim Palace
- Enjoy England short breaks
Behind The Scenes: Jousting Knights
Fighting the Good FightKnights began meeting in mock battle during the 11th century. Several historic texts suggest that a French baron, Geoffroi de Preully, conceived the first such tournaments. These were known as melees and consisted of two armed bodies of horsemen who met in simultaneous ad hoc contests.
Rules and Regulations
Over time, tournaments became more organised. Around 1292, a Statatum Armorum, or Statute of Arms, dictated that swords and daggers with points were not to be used. Clubs and maces were also outlawed. Jousting contests, in which two knights charged at each other, using their lances to try to unseat their opponent, became the centrepiece of chivalric tournaments. By the 15th century, a cloth-covered barrier separated the horses, to prevent collisions.
Super Spear
A knight's primary weapon was his lance. The first lances - long, heavy wooden spears with metal points - were developed by the ancient Assyrians and Egyptians. Once stirrups appeared during the 6th century, the extra purchase they gave the rider cemented the lance's position as the most potent shock weapon on the battlefield. It survived the advent of gunpowder because it didn't need to be reloaded.
The History of Blenheim Palace
The house that Marlborough builtOn 13th August 1704, forces under the command of John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough defended a small village on the River Danube against the forces of Louis X1V.
The following year, a grateful Queen Anne presented the Duke with the Royal Manor of Woodstock in reward for saving Europe from domination by the French. The name of the village? Blindheim or Blenheim. Not only did the Duke and his Duchess Sarah receive the land, but also a generous sum of £240,000 towards the costs of building the house of their dreams. And naturally they named it after the site of Marlborough's famous victory.
It was built between 1705 and 1722 by the great architect Sir John Vanbrugh. However, the Duke fell out of favour with the Queen and the money was not forthcoming, leaving a debt of £45,000 unpaid to masons and other craftsmen. When the Queen died in 1714, the Duke negotiated with the artisans and completed the Palace at his own expense.
Today, Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and his family and is one of a small number of privately owned estates open to the public.
The park
The land surrounding the house was boggy and riddled with streams, so Vanbrugh designed one of the most substantial ornamental bridges, thought to be the finest in Europe. The Grand Bridge, with its main arch span of 101 feet, had to be finished by Bartholomew Peisley after Vanbrugh's death. When Marlborough died in 1722, a 40-metre high 'Victory' column topped with eagles was placed at the entrance to the Great Avenue.
In 1764, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown arrived to landscape the park. Often accused of sweeping away the old, Brown in fact preserved the Grand Bridge, the vista up to the Column and the Great Avenue. His great achievement was to dam the river Glyme and create an hourglass-shaped lake over which the Bridge passes.
Young love
Although Winston Churchill's own home was to become Chartwell (see The History of Chartwell), he had close affinities with his birthplace. In the summer of 1908, as a young man, he proposed to Miss Clementine Hozier in the Temple of Diana overlooking the lake at Blenheim. They would be together for the rest of Winston's life and are buried in nearby Bladon churchyard along with Winston's parents, Lord and Lady Randolph Churchill.
Feature supplied by Heritage magazine. About Heritage Magazine.
Highlights and events at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is situated in Woodstock, eight miles north of Oxford, within the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.History
The Palace, conceived in 1705 by Sir John Vanbrugh and completed in 1722, is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. From the vastness of the Great Hall to the intricate detailing in the State Rooms, the Palace's interiors beautifully balance the delicate with the awe-inspiring.
Blenheim is also famed as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Visit the rooms where he was born in 1874 and gain a fascinating insight into the life of our most beloved leader.
Attractions
The splendour and tranquillity of 'Capability' Brown's landscaped parkland and gardens is unrivalled in Britain. Beauty abounds from the secret garden, water terraces and rose garden to the grand cascade and lake fringed by majestic oaks, maples and chestnuts. Walks of between 45 and 90 minutes allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of Blenheim Palace within its awe-inspiring surroundings.
A miniature train takes the visitors to the Pleasure Gardens, where there are many attractions for families. From the Marlborough maze to the adventure playground and the butterfly house, there's plenty to keep the children occupied.
Guided tours
Guided tours run throughout most of the season, offering enlightening facts on the people, history and events that shaped Blenheim. The walls are decorated with beautiful portraits and a fascinating collection of tapestries commissioned by John Churchill, First Duke of Marlborough. An exquisite collection of Boulle furniture graces the third state room, which leads, in turn, to the timeless sophistication of the long library.
Exhibitions and events
A new exhibition, Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story, opens it May 2007, upstairs within the heart of the Palace. Within rooms never before open to the public, this new attraction charts the history of the family through the eyes of the servants. New film and projection techniques bring to life dramatic moments from the last 300 years.
Churchills' Destiny - the story of two great war leaders' - is a special exhibition housed in the Stables. Open all year, it celebrates the military achievements of John and Winston Churchill, and describes the inspiration Winston Churchill received from his hero and ancestor.
A series of special events runs throughout the season: visit the jousting tournament in May; special holiday events in August. Specialist talks and tours of the Palace, its collections and the Gardens are available.
Opening times
The Palace and gardens are open daily from 10 February 2007 to 28 October and from 31 October to 9 December on Wednesdays to Sundays only. The park is open from 9am all year except Christmas Day. The formal gardens open at 10am and the first tour begins at 10.30am. Last entry to the Park and Palace is at 4.45pm. The Palace closes at 5.30pm and the park and gardens close at 6pm. During the closed season, the Park opens at 9am and closes at 4.45pm or dusk. Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford, OX20 1PX.
Tel: 08700 60 20 80 (24 hour recorded information)
For more information visit www.blenheimpalace.com.
Enjoy England short breaks
Family FunFrom Knebworth Garden’s life-size dinosaurs to the spectacular Deep aquarium, or a trip to Cadbury World in the Heart of England - find family-friendly places to stay, fab events to go to and things that don't cost the earth.
Visit the Family Fun website
City Breaks
If you’re after an exciting weekend break or simply an exhilarating day out - England's cities are buzzing every day of the week! From unique to chic, jaw dropping architecture to boutique shopping, luxurious accommodation and delicious dining, England’s cities have it all.
Visit the City Breaks website
Escape
From Hadrian’s Wall running from Newcastle Tyneside to Carlisle, to Derbyshire where Pride and Prejudice was filmed, we've got some inspirational ideas for day out or short break.
Visit the Escape website
Comedy
With so many funny faces it’s no surprise England is the home of great comedy. Check out events by region or let one of our familiar faces guide you around.
Visit the Comedy website
Culture 09
Enjoy England is celebrating culture in all its different forms, with over 3000 great events featured on the Culture 09 site, such as festivals, exhibitions, concerts and other fun happenings this year.
Visit the Culture 09 website
Value Campaign
Take advantage of 2-for-1, kids go free and hundreds of offers on theme parks, museums, castles, gardens and zoos, as well as up to 50% off a superb range of accommodation.
Visit the Value Campaign website
Select your bookmark
What is social bookmarking?