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B L E N H E I M P A L A C E
O x F O R D S H I R E , E N G L A N D
H i s G r a c e T h e D u k e o f M a r l b o r o u g h
Blenheim Palace, home of His Grace John George Vanderbilt Henry Spencer-
Churchill, the 11th Duke of Marlborough and his family, was presented by a
grateful Queen Anne to her conquering General the First Duke of Marlborough
in 1705. The most famous creative artists of that period were employed building
and furnishing this ultimate English baroque palace: Royal Master Carver
Grinling Biggons, furniture designer William Kent, Royal portraitists Lely and
Van Dyck, and architect Vanbrugh. Capability Brown landscaped the surrounding
parks and lakes. A bewildered King George III complained in 1776, “We have
nothing to compare with this...” Blenheim is still filled with treasures of greatest
national and historic importance. This was the family and true birthplace
of the war hero Sir Winston Churchill.
