Thursday, March 01, 2007

Blenheim Palace



I took some time out this week to be a tourist. I visited Blenheim Palace with a British American Group. The palace was built inthe early 1700's and is a World Heritage Site. It is the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Both the castle and the gardens are beautiful. Unfortunately it was raining (you see how grey the photos turned out!) so I only got to see a fraction of the gardens...I plan to go back in the summer.


There was an exhibit of Winston Churchill's letters that was very interesting. There were also several of his paintings. I had no idea he was such an artist. I really liked them.


The inside of the palace is impressive. There are several large tapestries that are gorgeous. Just above the front door is a large heraldry flag that gave me some ideas for an ATC. I have to say my favorite room was the library...two story tall walls of books! There was also a large organ at the end of the long room.
Needless to say I was wiped out by the time I got home so got little quilting done and DH had to settle for some Indian takeout for dinner. (Which we hardly ever do anymore but we were also celebrating a 50 point drop in his cholesterol level..that is my story and I'm sticking to it!)

4 comments:

CONNIE W said...

Awesome building. Smiles across the miles! :)

Lois R. said...

Eric and I loved Blenheim Palace. If I remember correctly, the gardens were beautiful.

I like the quilt you're starting (mentioned a day or so ago) and I can't wait to see more of it.

Unknown said...

Have been in the grounds many years ago as a teenager with my parents but not round the house - my father felt it more important to visit Churchill's grave in nearby Woodstock. Shame you didn't get to see it in the sunshine

Clare said...

Went there years and years ago and haven't been back since. Is Winston Churchill's nursery still on the ground floor? There was a t.v programme a couple of years ago about how the large lake was made. Coming over in July for family wedding in Kent. If you fancy a trip round Sissinghurst and Knole let me know. Goudhurst and all round there is gorgeous.