Woodstock - Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is the seat of the dukes of Marlborough, the Spencer-Churchill family, and birthplace of Winston Churchill. The spacious parkland includes a large lake and bridge which can be visited without having to buy an entrance ticket. The magnificent palace, with its economical layout, was built between 1701 and 1724 for John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, under the direction of the architect, John Vanbrugh, and with the financial support of Queen Anne, who wished to express her thanks to the Duke for his victory in 1704 over the French at the Battle of Blenheim (actually the Battle of Höchstädt). From the main building, with its neo-Classical columned entrance-hall, quadrantal annexs with crowned corner-towers and colonnades lead to the side wings with their large courtyards, through which the visitor makes his way to the vast courtyard in front of the main building.