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.

On the weekend of the 21st and 22nd April, the National Trust are opening over 200 of their houses and gardens for free:

Join us for our free weekend on 21 & 22 April and explore over 200 of our houses and gardens for free – as well as all the countryside spaces we care for (which are free all year round).

To take advantage of this offer, you need to download our voucher and take it along with you on the day of your visit.

Long before I was a National Trust member I enjoyed an unexpectedly free visit to Croft Castle.  I think the free days are a great idea, it encourages non members to visit and see the work that the National Trust does.

In the early years of their occupation at Chartwell, the Churchills used to use the lakes for swimming. You can see the lower lake in this previous post of mine.

Then in the 1930s, Churchill arranged for the purpose built oval concrete pool.  It is complete with concealed under ground boilers which heat the pool to 75F.

To the side of the house there is a small walled Rose Garden that was laid out by Clemantine with advice from her cousin Venetia Montagu.  At the time I visited the garden was a little bit past it’s best, so I have no photos to share with you.  But it is a good excuse to go back

The last picture gives an idea of the view that can be seen from this corner of the house, although this photo was taken from a slightly different vantage point.

On the north wall are the motto, Fiel Pero Desdichado (‘Faithful but Unfortunate’) – a reference to the loyalty of the 1st Duke’s father to the Royalist cause after the execution of Charles 1 in 1649. Four terracotta plaques on the walls represent rivers that played a part in Marlborough’s campaigns during the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-13): the Danube, the Rhine (with the sirens of the Lorelei), the Meuse and the Moselle. The terracotta medallions at the corners represent the 1st Duke; his wife Sarah; Queen Anne; and Prince Eugene of Savoy, Marlborough’s most steadfast Continental ally, who played an important part in the victories of Blenheim (1704), Ramilles (1706), Oudenarde (1708) and Malplaquet (1709). The low-relief frieze around the ceiling evokes the Marlborough wars. One panel shows the defence of the village of Blenheim, the climactic moment of the 1st Duke’s most famous victory.  *

*From the National Trust guide book

I would have loved to have been able to cross over the pool of water and experience the garden from Churchill’s point of view but that wasn’t possible.  But I could feel his presence lingering in that beautiful spot