Previously referred to as the ’roundabout’, in 2012 the Roundel was restored and turned into a beautiful water feature.
The late 1890s and early 1900s saw the Roundel at its finest, but the 21st century saw this garden feature in need of restoration and rejuvenation. In early 2012, the 11th Duke of Malborough, with the generous support of the USA Blenheim Foundation, undertook the task of restoring the Roundel. The statue was restored , and an ornamental pond was created with 12 water jets added to create additional splendour.
Tags: Blenheim Palace, Fountain, Oxfordshire, Statue, The Roundel
The secluded secret garden is a nice tranquil place with winding pathways, ponds and streams.
As part of the commemoration of the tercentenery in 2004 of the Battle of Blenheim, the 11th Duke restored the garden, first laid down by his father; keeping much of the original layout while introducing many new features.
As a ‘garden for all seasons’, the mature and new plantings create interest throughout the year.*
*From the Blenheim Palace guidebook printed 2014
Tags: Blenheim Palace, Garden, Oxfordshire
The Italian garden is situated in front of the private part of Blenheim Palace and not open to the public.
The garden enjoys a delightful, sheltered position, bordered on two sides by the Orangery and the East Front. Despite its name, the Italian Garden would not look out of place at a French chateau. With its precise, evergreen topiary, patterned beds, luscious orange trees and the scented pink blooms of the rose ‘Caroline Testout’, it is beautiful in all seasons. As a centrepiece it has the stunning, gilded Mermaid Fountain by the American sculptor; Waldo Story.*
*From the Blenheim Palace guidebook printed 2014
Tags: Blenheim Palace, Garden, Oxfodshire
Undoubtedly the majestic Water Terraces on the west front are a major part of the 9th Duke’s outstanding legacy to the Palace. A remarkable 20th century achievement, they have been compared to the Parterre d’Eau at Versailles. The Duke took his inspiration from Bernini whose river-gods fountain, now on the lower terrace, is a scale model of the original in Rome’s Piazza Navona.*
In 1929 when the work was virtually complete, the 9th Duke wrote: “Pray tell Monsieur Duchene that the ensemble of the terraces is magnificent and in my judgement far superior to the work done by Le Notre at Versailles. The proportion of the house, the terrace and the lake is perfect.”*
I shall finish with a picture from my previous visit to Blenheim, which was in 2004. It was taken from the top of the slope in the picture above, looking back down on the water terrace. Where do all those years go?
*From the Blenheim Palace guidebook printed 2014
Tags: Blenheim Palace, Fountain, me, Me by another, Oxforshire, Portrait, Water Terrace
Blenheim Palace was built in the early 18th Century to celebrate the victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.
In particular, it was built as a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, the military commander who led the Allied forces in the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. It was Marlborough who personally received the surrender from Marshall Tallard, leader of the French forces, following the battle.
To honour the Duke’s heroics, Queen Anne granted his family the ruined Royal Manor and park at Woodstock, along with the promise of funds needed to build a house to mark the victorious occasion. In return, the Duke also ensured that the Palace became a monument to the Queen.
At Blenheim I took two very important decisions; to be born and to marry. I am content with the decision I took on both occasions…” Sir Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine Hozier at the Temple of Diana on 11th August 1908.
The year 2015 marks many important anniversaries in relation to our ‘Greatest Briton’, Sir Winston Churchill. These include the 50th anniversary of his death, the 75th anniversary of his first becoming Prime Minister, and the 75th anniversary of his ‘Finest Hour’ at the Battle of Britain.
In this key anniversary year you can read up on all things Churchill from his history, events around the country and news on a new website that aims to centralise all activity.
Tags: Blenheim Palace, Churchill, Oxfordshire, Winston Churchill
…or is it a planet…
Three planets are clearly visible at nightfall this month: Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. Mercury is fading – whereas Mars has already disappeared – into the glare of sunset.
Evening planets in May 2015
Brilliant Venus in west from dusk until late evening
Fading Mars lost in the glare of sunset
Bright Jupiter from dusk until late night
Saturn from nightfall until dawn
Mercury at dusk, sets around nightfall
Brilliant Venus in west from dusk until late evening. Venus – the brightest planet and third-brightest celestial luminary overall (after the sun and moon) – climbs higher up at sunset, and stays out later after dark, than it did in April 2015. In the Northern Hemisphere, Venus stays out until late evening, and in the Southern Hemisphere, Venus sets by mid-evening.
Throughout May 2015, brilliant Venus beams like a lighthouse as darkness falls! At mid-northern latitudes, Venus stays out quite late, possibly after your bedtime. Be sure to catch the wonderful presence of the moon in Venus’ vicinity for several days, centered on May 21.
At mid-northern latitudes, this dazzling world sets about three and one-half hours after sunset all month long. At temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, the queen planet’s visibility improves throughout May, setting about two and one-half hours after the sun in early May, and three hours after the sun by the month’s end. From either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, Venus – the brightest star-like object in all the heavens – totally predominates over the western sky as darkness falls.
Tags: Cherie's Place, Jupiter, My Oak Tree, Planet, Saturn, Sky, Star, Venus
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Tags: Cherie's Place Thought, Dorothy Clive Garden, Love, Peace, Understanding
