Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

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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.

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Photos

We're in town!
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Holly at Blenheim
Shall we go in now?

There is no finer view in England
A view to take the breath away.

Blenheim Palace
A view of the Palace from across the lake.

Blenheim Palace
The Great Court and the North Front.

The Water Terrace
The Bernini river-gods' fountain on the second Water Terrace can be seen at the right.

The Italian Garden
On the south-east corner of the Palace.

The Chapel
In the Palace Chapel Rysbrack's monument to the 1st Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and their two sons, both of whom died young.

Column of Victory
The Column of Victory, which was begun five years after the Marlborough's death, was finished in 1730.