In the evening, we deliberated for a long time whether to travel to Oxford once more or instead visit Blenheim Palace, which is north of the city. Although the steep entrance fees (almost 45 euros per person) intimidated us, we ultimately decided to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace is the only residence besides the royal estates that can adorn itself with the title “Palace” in England.
Blenheim Palace The land and the majority of the construction costs of the palace were a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough.
Statue of Queen Anne in the Library He had decisively defeated the French in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704. The victory was achieved near the German town of Blindheim. Since no Englishman can pronounce that, the palace was henceforth called Blenheim.
Blenheim Palace We began our visit in the truly impressive building with a tour through the representative rooms on the ground floor.
Great Hall There, we also saw the room where Winston Churchill was born in 1874.
Birth Room of Winston Churchill The estate and title belonged to his uncle, who was hosting his parents when little Winston decided to arrive too early and was thus born there.
Red Salon A special exhibition modernly informs about his life and his connection to Blenheim.
Exhibition on Winston Churchill In the gardens, he also proposed to his later wife.
Exhibition on Winston Churchill After touring the grand rooms and the exhibition, we had also booked a guided tour of the upper rooms (which was not included in the aforementioned entrance fee). A friendly lady guided us through the rooms that were used as guest rooms in the past and currently.
Green Writing Room Indeed, the current 12th Duke of Marlborough still resides in the castle, even though there were a large number of visitors.
