Blenheim Palace - A Brief History
In 1704 John Churchill (1650-1722), the 1st Duke of Marlborough, defeated the French at the Battle of Blenheim. Queen Anne gave the Duke the manor of Woodstock and had the palatial home of Blenheim Palace built for him in gratitude.
Blenheim Palace was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and Sir John Vanbrugh and on 30th November 1874 was the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Britain's World War II leader. Winston Churchill was born in the suite of rooms that lie to the west of the Great Hall. These rooms house the Churchill Exhibition that give a fascinating insight into his life.
It was in the grounds of Blenheim Palace that Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine. They married in 1908.
Work started on Blenheim Palace, with Sir John Vanbrugh as the principal architect. However, the duke's wife (Sarah Jennings) wanted Christopher Wren as architect and was soon at loggerheads with Vanbrugh. And with Queen Anne having second thoughts and stifling the flow of money, construction work was halted.
Work was only finished on Blenheim Palace after the Duke's death when his widow Sarah ended up paying most of the bills and designing much of the interior herself.
Events at Blenheim Palace during 2007
10th February - Blenheim Palace Opens
10th - 18th February - May Blenheim Palace and World War II #
Half Term entertainment. Discover what life was like at Blenheim Palace during the Second World War. Join one of our family tours and learn about the Malvern College boys evacuated here in 1939, and how Blenheim was once used as MI5 headquarters. Blenheim's ARP soldier will tell stories of events at the Palace during World War II.
31st March - 15th April Easter entertainment in the Pleasure Gardens *
Take a ride on the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens for Easter family fun and entertainment.
6th - 9th April (Easter weekend) Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Challenge *
The forth annual Easter egg trail at Blenheim has a bug theme this year. Follow the trail around the beautiful Pleasure Gardens.
5th - 7th May
(May Bank Holiday) Blenheim Palace Jousting Tournament with "The Knights of Royal England" and Falconry display. *
Gallant knights and their mighty steeds meet on Blenheim's South Lawn to battle for glory in a spectacular jousting tournament. The tournament will recreate the great contest that took place at Earl's Court in 1912, originally organised by Jennie Churchill, mother of Winston Churchill.
11th - 13th May Home Design & Interiors Exhibition *
26th - 28th May
(Whitsun Holiday) Living Heritage Oxfordshire Craft Fair *
A country craft show held at Blenheim Palace including some of the finest crafts men, artists and designers in the country.
25th-29th May The Caravan club 80th National Rally
Private Event for Caravan Club members - Palace, Park and Gardens open as usual.
2nd - 3rd June Blenheim Triathlon *
Admission included for spectators.
NB. Please note that activity takes place within the Great Court and therefore admission procedures could be affected.
13th - 15th July "Breathe at Blenheim"
A A new consumer health and lifestyle show covering a range of topical issues in health, fitness and beauty. From a Healthy Eating Zone with top chefs cooking up great healthy dishes, a Beauty Centre with a live makeover stage, to the Fitness Factory with demonstrations of latest classes and ways to tone and keep fit .
Separate admission prices charged for the show.
22nd July Fly to the Past - a festival of the history of flight
Separate admission prices - Palace, Park and Gardens open as usual.
28th July Battle Proms evening picinic concert.
Separate admission prices charged.
From 28th July Summer Holidays, Family entertainment in the Pleasure Gardens*
10th - 12th August Blenheim Palace Jousting Tournament with
"The Knights of Royal England" and Falconry displays. *
Gallant knights and their mighty steeds return to Blenheim's South Lawn to battle for glory in a spectacular jousting tournament.
25th - 27th August
(August Bank Holiday) Living Heritage Oxfordshire Craft Fair *
The country craft show returns Blenheim and includes some of the finest crafts men, artists and designers in the country.
6th - 9th September Blenheim International Horse Trials
Palace, Park and Gardens open as usual.
Separate admission for the Horse Trials.
23rd September Classic Car and Motorcycle Show * (P)
20th - 28th October Halloween Horrors at half term *
Half term costumed entertainment in the Great court. Hear tales of horror and Halloween at Blenheim Palace *
10th Nov - 9th December Christmas at Blenheim Palace #
16th - 18th November Living Crafts for Christmas *
Advanced tickets available
8th - 9th December Special entertainment in the Palace and Courtyards*
9th December Blenheim Palace and Gardens close for the winter.
Park remains open for the winter
All events listed are provisional bookings. The details of these events may change. Please check prior to your visit.
* Included within Park and Gardens ticket price.
# Included within Palace, Park and gardens ticket price.
For further information about Blenheim Palace, opening times and admission prices please call 01993 811091 or visit the website at www.blenheimpalace.com