Blenheim Palace - A Place for All Seasons, Woodstock, England (B)

Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, England, has a year-round fascination for all its visitors. Throughout the magnificent palace, its gardens and park permanent exhibitions mingle with temporary exhibitions.

Seasonal flowerings enhance the formal gardens and brighten the trails around the huge country park that surrounds this impressive stately home – a ‘gift’ to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough. He was both an astute politician and a gifted soldier. During the War of the Spanish Succession that split Europe he was responsible for the decisive victory at Blenheim. As a reward Queen Anne gave Marlborough land and a sum of money to build a new house as a lasting monument to this victory. Foundations for a stunning Baroque palace were laid in 1705 but loss of favour with his queen and a lack of funds meant it would be nearly thirty years before the building, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, was completed. Extracts from the Acts of Parliament granting the estate to the Duke of Marlborough and his descendants are engraved on the Column of Victory in the grounds of the palace. Blenheim Palace and Gardens are now open to the public all year around while still remaining home to the Marlboroughs. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).