Blogs from Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 53

Blenheim Palace located in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds town of Woodstock, is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. It was started in 1705 and finished in 1722. Blenheim Palace is set in 2,100 acres of spectacular parkland and surrounded by sweeping lawns and formal gardens. The Palace name "Blenheim" comes from the Battle of Blenheim, which was fought in August 1704, where John Churchill, the first duke of Marlborough gained victory over the French. For his battle success, the first duke of Marlborough was rewarded by Queen Anne, gave him Woodstock and said she would build him a house called Blenheim. ... read more

Elegant Burford, the Gateway to the Cotswolds, contains many beautiful buildings dating back to Tudor and Georgian times. The Burford Parish Church with its slender steeple lies by the River Windrush. The central part of the Tower and west doorway are Norman while the rest of the church dates from around the 15th century. In May 1649 at the end of the English Civil War, 340 of the Levellers were rounded up and imprisoned in Burford Church by Cromwell and his men. Carvings from the incarcerated soldiers and the bullet holes of the three executed ring leaders can still be seen to this day. ... read more

Hey guys, Well your hearing from my everyday because Don has been great and letting me use his computer with a broadband connection, so I'm getting my pics up very quickly. Had another great day today, did a trip into Oxford, which I also absolutely loved, we climed the steeple of the Church of St Mary and the Virgin to get a look over the city, the colleges and quads are amazing, with huge ornate sun dials and gardens. We visited the Turf pub, (unfortunately a bit too early for a pint) and trekked around The High and little side streets, we check out the shops, having to hide my credit card, but did get some shoes for work (in anticipation of getting any work!). We also went into the Sheldonian Theatre and climed up into ... read more

Hey everyone, Well day two here in the UK, had a lovely day today, went for a walk around the village, then did this huge walk from the village through the grounds of Blenheim Palace. The daffidols are out, so they're really pretty, also saw heaps of pheasents, have a picture here of one in the front yard. The gardens and the palace are beautiful, great to get out and go for a big walk, catching up with some more family tonight, Dave and Sue which should be good. Also looking forward to going into Oxford over the next day or so, tomorrow we're checking out the miniture village at Bolton on the water, (I might have this wrong will check with Don), just because I remember it when I was here when I was little. ... read more

Aaaaaah, what a kool Christmas day we had this year. Last year we were in NZ and we thought that was a great Christmas, sunshine, new friends from different countries, not a worry in the world whilst backpacking, but it was even better this year! I passed my driving test on Thursday this week so I had something extra to celebrate this Christmas and we made the most of it by being able to see Christina's parents in the morning and having Christmas dinner with my family! It's the first Christmas that we have been able to do that and it felt really kool being able to see both our families on Christmas Day!! Oxford is a really kool town to be in on Christmas Day. Especially when there is ice on all the college and ... read more