Andrea here, As you probably know, a number of the Wenches traveled through England, Scotland and Ireland in the last fortnight (and got to spend time together, both exploring and speaking at the RNA Conference, which was so much fun!) So here is the first of many “show and tell” blogs from our experiences. But as most of you love history as much as we do, I hope you’ll enjoy these vignettes of places that captured our fancy.
I’m a big fan of Winston Churchill, so Blenheim Palace, the family “pile” of his grandfather, the 7th Duke of Marlborough, has always been high on my To Visit list. (Winston was born at Blenheim and spent much of his childhood there.) As luck would have it, the Palace is close to where Nicola lives, and as I stayed with her for a night after the conference, she kindly agreed to serve as my guide. (There’s nothing more fun than exploring a historical place with someone as nerdy as I am about history . . . we tend to ooh and ahh over tiny details that leave most other visitors thinking we’re a little loopy.)
Blenheim Palace’s history begins with John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, who led his troops to victory in 1704 at the Battle of Blenheim, defeating Marshal Tallard’s French army in the War of Spanish Succession. As a royal thank you, a grateful Queen Anne gifted him with lands and the ruins of the Royal Manor of Woodstock, along with £240,000 with which to build a commemorative residence.
It was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and finished around 1722—though the chapel wasn’t consecrated until 1733. The surrounding 2000 acres were designed by the legendary landscape artist Capability Brown in the decade following 1764. The grounds include Column of Victory, a 134-ft marble pillar topped with a lead statue of the Duke of Marlborough dressed as a Roman general (John Churchill had no lack of self-esteem, as numerous majestic paintings and tapestries illustrate inside the palace walls) and the romantic Temple of Diana, created in 1773, which is where Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine Hozier.
During WWI, the palace was used as a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers, and during WWII it served as the home for 400 Malvern College boys. It was in 1950 that the palace first opened to the public. In 1987 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
As we arrived on the historic grounds, Nicola and I were treated to a rather bizarre scene. A Bollywood film crew was shooting a pop music video in the grand courtyard, complete with dancers in pseudo-Grenadier Guardsmen uniform and faux bearskin hats. We weren’t sure whether the John—and Winston—Churchill would be amused or appalled. But hey, the palace cost a king’s ransom to maintain, and I rather like the sense of creativity and sense of humor the National Trust showed in booking the event.
No modern hoopla could take away from the grandeur of history once we moved inside the palace’s venerable walls and entered the Long Library, which was originally designed as a picture gallery, but now holds a stately collections of books and the massive Willis organ, built 
in 1891. There are also period fashions on display. From there, we moved from one grand salon to another, each with soaring ceilings, ornate detailing, polished marble and magnificent murals. The highlight in that wing of the palace are the three interconnected state rooms, designed for entertaining—and impressing—the important visitors and dignitaries who have passed through the hallowed halls over the centuries.
All three have Hawksmoor ceilings, family portraits, sumptuous furniture and the famous tapestries celebrating the first Duke’s military victories. (One of the rooms also has his handwritten dispatch telling of his victory at Blenheim. It’s no surprise that Winston chose a military career as a young man, obtaining an commission in the 4th Hussars, a cavalry regiment that dates back to the 1600s.
There are special tours to the upstairs family quarters and downstairs servant areas, but we didn’t get a chance to do those—one visit is not nearly enough to take in the splendors of the place, as the palace holds some of the most important collections in Europe of furniture and decorative arts. After a visit to the special exhibit on Winston Churchill and his life at Blenheim and beyond, Nicola and I were very happy to find a spot in the garden café and enjoy a cup of tea and cakes as we tried to absorb all we had seen in just that small section of the main wing . . . and I am already noodling notes for my next visit!
So what about you? Do you have a special hero or heroine whose family home you are dreaming of visiting? Or what about a grand manor or palace that captures your fancy? Do share what’s on your wish list!
I loved exploring Blenheim Palace with you, Andrea. It is an astonishing place, isn’t it, especially the bust of John Churchill up on the roof looking out over his parkland! I really enjoyed the Winston exhibition and the intimacy of being able to explore all the memorabilia in his bedroom. Plus the library was amazing… So much fun!
I loved exploring Blenheim Palace with you, Andrea. It is an astonishing place, isn’t it, especially the bust of John Churchill up on the roof looking out over his parkland! I really enjoyed the Winston exhibition and the intimacy of being able to explore all the memorabilia in his bedroom. Plus the library was amazing… So much fun!
I loved exploring Blenheim Palace with you, Andrea. It is an astonishing place, isn’t it, especially the bust of John Churchill up on the roof looking out over his parkland! I really enjoyed the Winston exhibition and the intimacy of being able to explore all the memorabilia in his bedroom. Plus the library was amazing… So much fun!
I loved exploring Blenheim Palace with you, Andrea. It is an astonishing place, isn’t it, especially the bust of John Churchill up on the roof looking out over his parkland! I really enjoyed the Winston exhibition and the intimacy of being able to explore all the memorabilia in his bedroom. Plus the library was amazing… So much fun!
I loved exploring Blenheim Palace with you, Andrea. It is an astonishing place, isn’t it, especially the bust of John Churchill up on the roof looking out over his parkland! I really enjoyed the Winston exhibition and the intimacy of being able to explore all the memorabilia in his bedroom. Plus the library was amazing… So much fun!
Given the impressively massive bulk of Blenheim, I always enjoyed the proposed epitaph for Vanbrugh:
Under this stone, reader, survey
Dead Sir John Vanbrugh’s house of clay.
Lie heavy on him, Earth! For he
Laid many heavy loads on thee!
Given the impressively massive bulk of Blenheim, I always enjoyed the proposed epitaph for Vanbrugh:
Under this stone, reader, survey
Dead Sir John Vanbrugh’s house of clay.
Lie heavy on him, Earth! For he
Laid many heavy loads on thee!
Given the impressively massive bulk of Blenheim, I always enjoyed the proposed epitaph for Vanbrugh:
Under this stone, reader, survey
Dead Sir John Vanbrugh’s house of clay.
Lie heavy on him, Earth! For he
Laid many heavy loads on thee!
Given the impressively massive bulk of Blenheim, I always enjoyed the proposed epitaph for Vanbrugh:
Under this stone, reader, survey
Dead Sir John Vanbrugh’s house of clay.
Lie heavy on him, Earth! For he
Laid many heavy loads on thee!
Given the impressively massive bulk of Blenheim, I always enjoyed the proposed epitaph for Vanbrugh:
Under this stone, reader, survey
Dead Sir John Vanbrugh’s house of clay.
Lie heavy on him, Earth! For he
Laid many heavy loads on thee!
Thank you for the tour Andrea. I love places like this. When you mentioned that you were unable to take the tour of the family quarters and servants areas, it reminded me of a tour I took of the Louve in Paris many years ago. I remember thinking that I could spend our whole vacation just exploring the place. My traveling mate didn’t agree, so we did manage to see a few other sites before we left Paris (smile).
Thank you for the tour Andrea. I love places like this. When you mentioned that you were unable to take the tour of the family quarters and servants areas, it reminded me of a tour I took of the Louve in Paris many years ago. I remember thinking that I could spend our whole vacation just exploring the place. My traveling mate didn’t agree, so we did manage to see a few other sites before we left Paris (smile).
Thank you for the tour Andrea. I love places like this. When you mentioned that you were unable to take the tour of the family quarters and servants areas, it reminded me of a tour I took of the Louve in Paris many years ago. I remember thinking that I could spend our whole vacation just exploring the place. My traveling mate didn’t agree, so we did manage to see a few other sites before we left Paris (smile).
Thank you for the tour Andrea. I love places like this. When you mentioned that you were unable to take the tour of the family quarters and servants areas, it reminded me of a tour I took of the Louve in Paris many years ago. I remember thinking that I could spend our whole vacation just exploring the place. My traveling mate didn’t agree, so we did manage to see a few other sites before we left Paris (smile).
Thank you for the tour Andrea. I love places like this. When you mentioned that you were unable to take the tour of the family quarters and servants areas, it reminded me of a tour I took of the Louve in Paris many years ago. I remember thinking that I could spend our whole vacation just exploring the place. My traveling mate didn’t agree, so we did manage to see a few other sites before we left Paris (smile).
it was SO much fun to do it with you. We really need to find a way to do more group Wench historical adventures!
it was SO much fun to do it with you. We really need to find a way to do more group Wench historical adventures!
it was SO much fun to do it with you. We really need to find a way to do more group Wench historical adventures!
it was SO much fun to do it with you. We really need to find a way to do more group Wench historical adventures!
it was SO much fun to do it with you. We really need to find a way to do more group Wench historical adventures!
Oh, that’s wonderful, Lillian! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, that’s wonderful, Lillian! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, that’s wonderful, Lillian! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, that’s wonderful, Lillian! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, that’s wonderful, Lillian! Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I know what you mean! In this case, I had scheduled myself to be in Oxford, so I knew it was just going to be a quick “intro” to Blenheim. I’m always happy to go back to wonderful places many times over. So many of them are impossible to try to absorb in one visit, no matter how hard you wish to.
And it’s good to see a variety of places.In both Oxford and London, I balanced visiting new places with returning to old favorites, because I always see something new, even in places I’ve been to many times before.
Yes, I know what you mean! In this case, I had scheduled myself to be in Oxford, so I knew it was just going to be a quick “intro” to Blenheim. I’m always happy to go back to wonderful places many times over. So many of them are impossible to try to absorb in one visit, no matter how hard you wish to.
And it’s good to see a variety of places.In both Oxford and London, I balanced visiting new places with returning to old favorites, because I always see something new, even in places I’ve been to many times before.
Yes, I know what you mean! In this case, I had scheduled myself to be in Oxford, so I knew it was just going to be a quick “intro” to Blenheim. I’m always happy to go back to wonderful places many times over. So many of them are impossible to try to absorb in one visit, no matter how hard you wish to.
And it’s good to see a variety of places.In both Oxford and London, I balanced visiting new places with returning to old favorites, because I always see something new, even in places I’ve been to many times before.
Yes, I know what you mean! In this case, I had scheduled myself to be in Oxford, so I knew it was just going to be a quick “intro” to Blenheim. I’m always happy to go back to wonderful places many times over. So many of them are impossible to try to absorb in one visit, no matter how hard you wish to.
And it’s good to see a variety of places.In both Oxford and London, I balanced visiting new places with returning to old favorites, because I always see something new, even in places I’ve been to many times before.
Yes, I know what you mean! In this case, I had scheduled myself to be in Oxford, so I knew it was just going to be a quick “intro” to Blenheim. I’m always happy to go back to wonderful places many times over. So many of them are impossible to try to absorb in one visit, no matter how hard you wish to.
And it’s good to see a variety of places.In both Oxford and London, I balanced visiting new places with returning to old favorites, because I always see something new, even in places I’ve been to many times before.
Wonderful, Andrea–I wish I’d been with you both! Since I lived in Oxford for over two years, Blenheim was the go-to place to take visitors, but it sounds like wonderful things have been added. Alas, I never got to see a Bollywood musical production shot there!!!
Wonderful, Andrea–I wish I’d been with you both! Since I lived in Oxford for over two years, Blenheim was the go-to place to take visitors, but it sounds like wonderful things have been added. Alas, I never got to see a Bollywood musical production shot there!!!
Wonderful, Andrea–I wish I’d been with you both! Since I lived in Oxford for over two years, Blenheim was the go-to place to take visitors, but it sounds like wonderful things have been added. Alas, I never got to see a Bollywood musical production shot there!!!
Wonderful, Andrea–I wish I’d been with you both! Since I lived in Oxford for over two years, Blenheim was the go-to place to take visitors, but it sounds like wonderful things have been added. Alas, I never got to see a Bollywood musical production shot there!!!
Wonderful, Andrea–I wish I’d been with you both! Since I lived in Oxford for over two years, Blenheim was the go-to place to take visitors, but it sounds like wonderful things have been added. Alas, I never got to see a Bollywood musical production shot there!!!
Thank you for the tour. In 1987 my husband, my daughter and I spent 12 days in Great Britain. It was a wonderful introduction, but it was a surface affair. We had only one house tour — Blair Castle, in Scotland— but our tour guide mentioned some of the great house hour tour passed near to.
I’m not sure I really knew about Blenheim, which is now on my wish list — although my traveling days are probably past.) I’ve always wanted to see Devonshire house. I’m sure Its would need a week recovery between houses, before I saw the other one. And I’m equally sure that I would like more than one visit to each.
Thanks for a wonderful “report”.
Thank you for the tour. In 1987 my husband, my daughter and I spent 12 days in Great Britain. It was a wonderful introduction, but it was a surface affair. We had only one house tour — Blair Castle, in Scotland— but our tour guide mentioned some of the great house hour tour passed near to.
I’m not sure I really knew about Blenheim, which is now on my wish list — although my traveling days are probably past.) I’ve always wanted to see Devonshire house. I’m sure Its would need a week recovery between houses, before I saw the other one. And I’m equally sure that I would like more than one visit to each.
Thanks for a wonderful “report”.
Thank you for the tour. In 1987 my husband, my daughter and I spent 12 days in Great Britain. It was a wonderful introduction, but it was a surface affair. We had only one house tour — Blair Castle, in Scotland— but our tour guide mentioned some of the great house hour tour passed near to.
I’m not sure I really knew about Blenheim, which is now on my wish list — although my traveling days are probably past.) I’ve always wanted to see Devonshire house. I’m sure Its would need a week recovery between houses, before I saw the other one. And I’m equally sure that I would like more than one visit to each.
Thanks for a wonderful “report”.
Thank you for the tour. In 1987 my husband, my daughter and I spent 12 days in Great Britain. It was a wonderful introduction, but it was a surface affair. We had only one house tour — Blair Castle, in Scotland— but our tour guide mentioned some of the great house hour tour passed near to.
I’m not sure I really knew about Blenheim, which is now on my wish list — although my traveling days are probably past.) I’ve always wanted to see Devonshire house. I’m sure Its would need a week recovery between houses, before I saw the other one. And I’m equally sure that I would like more than one visit to each.
Thanks for a wonderful “report”.
Thank you for the tour. In 1987 my husband, my daughter and I spent 12 days in Great Britain. It was a wonderful introduction, but it was a surface affair. We had only one house tour — Blair Castle, in Scotland— but our tour guide mentioned some of the great house hour tour passed near to.
I’m not sure I really knew about Blenheim, which is now on my wish list — although my traveling days are probably past.) I’ve always wanted to see Devonshire house. I’m sure Its would need a week recovery between houses, before I saw the other one. And I’m equally sure that I would like more than one visit to each.
Thanks for a wonderful “report”.
My visit to Blenheim was during Christmas, and it was lovely seeing it decorated.
As for places I want to see, I’ve done a majority on my wish list. Lyme House is still on that list. Wells Cathedral is another. My most recent favourite was Warkworth Castle, a castle ruin with a remarkably intact keep which was the home of Sir Harry Hotspur (of the Percy family), who died in battle at Shrewsbury rebelling against Henry IV.
And I keep coming across different places through your blogs and FB. If all else fails, I check the English Heritage and National Trust web pages.
My visit to Blenheim was during Christmas, and it was lovely seeing it decorated.
As for places I want to see, I’ve done a majority on my wish list. Lyme House is still on that list. Wells Cathedral is another. My most recent favourite was Warkworth Castle, a castle ruin with a remarkably intact keep which was the home of Sir Harry Hotspur (of the Percy family), who died in battle at Shrewsbury rebelling against Henry IV.
And I keep coming across different places through your blogs and FB. If all else fails, I check the English Heritage and National Trust web pages.
My visit to Blenheim was during Christmas, and it was lovely seeing it decorated.
As for places I want to see, I’ve done a majority on my wish list. Lyme House is still on that list. Wells Cathedral is another. My most recent favourite was Warkworth Castle, a castle ruin with a remarkably intact keep which was the home of Sir Harry Hotspur (of the Percy family), who died in battle at Shrewsbury rebelling against Henry IV.
And I keep coming across different places through your blogs and FB. If all else fails, I check the English Heritage and National Trust web pages.
My visit to Blenheim was during Christmas, and it was lovely seeing it decorated.
As for places I want to see, I’ve done a majority on my wish list. Lyme House is still on that list. Wells Cathedral is another. My most recent favourite was Warkworth Castle, a castle ruin with a remarkably intact keep which was the home of Sir Harry Hotspur (of the Percy family), who died in battle at Shrewsbury rebelling against Henry IV.
And I keep coming across different places through your blogs and FB. If all else fails, I check the English Heritage and National Trust web pages.
My visit to Blenheim was during Christmas, and it was lovely seeing it decorated.
As for places I want to see, I’ve done a majority on my wish list. Lyme House is still on that list. Wells Cathedral is another. My most recent favourite was Warkworth Castle, a castle ruin with a remarkably intact keep which was the home of Sir Harry Hotspur (of the Percy family), who died in battle at Shrewsbury rebelling against Henry IV.
And I keep coming across different places through your blogs and FB. If all else fails, I check the English Heritage and National Trust web pages.
We arrived at Blenheim about halfway through our five-week tour of Great Britain in 2004. My husband had been singularly unimpressed by any of estates, stately homes, palaces or castles that we had seen. After we toured Blenheim he said that was what a palace should be. He even enjoyed the walk we took around the grounds. We were both disappointed when we had to leave – we could have easily spent another day there (same thing with Chatsworth).
Shannon, we took the tours provided at both Wells Cathedral and Lyme House, both were great but for the nerdy history type (me!) the tour at Lyme House gave a wealth of historical information. I have a lovely print of Lyme House hanging in my hallway. It was fantastic to walk the paths that they used in P & P.
We arrived at Blenheim about halfway through our five-week tour of Great Britain in 2004. My husband had been singularly unimpressed by any of estates, stately homes, palaces or castles that we had seen. After we toured Blenheim he said that was what a palace should be. He even enjoyed the walk we took around the grounds. We were both disappointed when we had to leave – we could have easily spent another day there (same thing with Chatsworth).
Shannon, we took the tours provided at both Wells Cathedral and Lyme House, both were great but for the nerdy history type (me!) the tour at Lyme House gave a wealth of historical information. I have a lovely print of Lyme House hanging in my hallway. It was fantastic to walk the paths that they used in P & P.
We arrived at Blenheim about halfway through our five-week tour of Great Britain in 2004. My husband had been singularly unimpressed by any of estates, stately homes, palaces or castles that we had seen. After we toured Blenheim he said that was what a palace should be. He even enjoyed the walk we took around the grounds. We were both disappointed when we had to leave – we could have easily spent another day there (same thing with Chatsworth).
Shannon, we took the tours provided at both Wells Cathedral and Lyme House, both were great but for the nerdy history type (me!) the tour at Lyme House gave a wealth of historical information. I have a lovely print of Lyme House hanging in my hallway. It was fantastic to walk the paths that they used in P & P.
We arrived at Blenheim about halfway through our five-week tour of Great Britain in 2004. My husband had been singularly unimpressed by any of estates, stately homes, palaces or castles that we had seen. After we toured Blenheim he said that was what a palace should be. He even enjoyed the walk we took around the grounds. We were both disappointed when we had to leave – we could have easily spent another day there (same thing with Chatsworth).
Shannon, we took the tours provided at both Wells Cathedral and Lyme House, both were great but for the nerdy history type (me!) the tour at Lyme House gave a wealth of historical information. I have a lovely print of Lyme House hanging in my hallway. It was fantastic to walk the paths that they used in P & P.
We arrived at Blenheim about halfway through our five-week tour of Great Britain in 2004. My husband had been singularly unimpressed by any of estates, stately homes, palaces or castles that we had seen. After we toured Blenheim he said that was what a palace should be. He even enjoyed the walk we took around the grounds. We were both disappointed when we had to leave – we could have easily spent another day there (same thing with Chatsworth).
Shannon, we took the tours provided at both Wells Cathedral and Lyme House, both were great but for the nerdy history type (me!) the tour at Lyme House gave a wealth of historical information. I have a lovely print of Lyme House hanging in my hallway. It was fantastic to walk the paths that they used in P & P.
I wish you and all the Wenches had been there too! Lucky you for living so close for two years. I can’t wait to go back. SO much to see.
I wish you and all the Wenches had been there too! Lucky you for living so close for two years. I can’t wait to go back. SO much to see.
I wish you and all the Wenches had been there too! Lucky you for living so close for two years. I can’t wait to go back. SO much to see.
I wish you and all the Wenches had been there too! Lucky you for living so close for two years. I can’t wait to go back. SO much to see.
I wish you and all the Wenches had been there too! Lucky you for living so close for two years. I can’t wait to go back. SO much to see.
So glad you enjoyed it, Sue! It is truly an amazing place, and the grounds also deserve serious exploration.
Are you thinking of Chatsworth, the home of the Duke of Devonshire? That’s the other grand house on my wish list. And yes, like Blenheim, I’m sure it would need much more than one visit to take it all in.
So glad you enjoyed it, Sue! It is truly an amazing place, and the grounds also deserve serious exploration.
Are you thinking of Chatsworth, the home of the Duke of Devonshire? That’s the other grand house on my wish list. And yes, like Blenheim, I’m sure it would need much more than one visit to take it all in.
So glad you enjoyed it, Sue! It is truly an amazing place, and the grounds also deserve serious exploration.
Are you thinking of Chatsworth, the home of the Duke of Devonshire? That’s the other grand house on my wish list. And yes, like Blenheim, I’m sure it would need much more than one visit to take it all in.
So glad you enjoyed it, Sue! It is truly an amazing place, and the grounds also deserve serious exploration.
Are you thinking of Chatsworth, the home of the Duke of Devonshire? That’s the other grand house on my wish list. And yes, like Blenheim, I’m sure it would need much more than one visit to take it all in.
So glad you enjoyed it, Sue! It is truly an amazing place, and the grounds also deserve serious exploration.
Are you thinking of Chatsworth, the home of the Duke of Devonshire? That’s the other grand house on my wish list. And yes, like Blenheim, I’m sure it would need much more than one visit to take it all in.
Oh, lucky you, Shannon! Blenheim at Xmas must be spectacular.
Warkworth sounds wonderful—must check it out! And I’ve heard Wells Cathedral is wonderful. I crossed York Cathedral off my wish list this trip. (I loved the whole city of York.)
Oh, lucky you, Shannon! Blenheim at Xmas must be spectacular.
Warkworth sounds wonderful—must check it out! And I’ve heard Wells Cathedral is wonderful. I crossed York Cathedral off my wish list this trip. (I loved the whole city of York.)
Oh, lucky you, Shannon! Blenheim at Xmas must be spectacular.
Warkworth sounds wonderful—must check it out! And I’ve heard Wells Cathedral is wonderful. I crossed York Cathedral off my wish list this trip. (I loved the whole city of York.)
Oh, lucky you, Shannon! Blenheim at Xmas must be spectacular.
Warkworth sounds wonderful—must check it out! And I’ve heard Wells Cathedral is wonderful. I crossed York Cathedral off my wish list this trip. (I loved the whole city of York.)
Oh, lucky you, Shannon! Blenheim at Xmas must be spectacular.
Warkworth sounds wonderful—must check it out! And I’ve heard Wells Cathedral is wonderful. I crossed York Cathedral off my wish list this trip. (I loved the whole city of York.)
Glad you and your DH enjoyed it too. It definitely needs a couple of days. I would have liked to explore the grounds too—but next time.
Lyme House has just moved up my Wish List, as both you and Shannon loved it. And Chatsworth is there too. I can’t imagine running out of places I want to see in the UK!
Glad you and your DH enjoyed it too. It definitely needs a couple of days. I would have liked to explore the grounds too—but next time.
Lyme House has just moved up my Wish List, as both you and Shannon loved it. And Chatsworth is there too. I can’t imagine running out of places I want to see in the UK!
Glad you and your DH enjoyed it too. It definitely needs a couple of days. I would have liked to explore the grounds too—but next time.
Lyme House has just moved up my Wish List, as both you and Shannon loved it. And Chatsworth is there too. I can’t imagine running out of places I want to see in the UK!
Glad you and your DH enjoyed it too. It definitely needs a couple of days. I would have liked to explore the grounds too—but next time.
Lyme House has just moved up my Wish List, as both you and Shannon loved it. And Chatsworth is there too. I can’t imagine running out of places I want to see in the UK!
Glad you and your DH enjoyed it too. It definitely needs a couple of days. I would have liked to explore the grounds too—but next time.
Lyme House has just moved up my Wish List, as both you and Shannon loved it. And Chatsworth is there too. I can’t imagine running out of places I want to see in the UK!
I envy you both that visit. I love seeing historical places. I’m also a big fan of Winston Churchill. The highlight of my historic visits so far is the one I spent in Bath with my two daughters. Walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps is something I will never forget.
I envy you both that visit. I love seeing historical places. I’m also a big fan of Winston Churchill. The highlight of my historic visits so far is the one I spent in Bath with my two daughters. Walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps is something I will never forget.
I envy you both that visit. I love seeing historical places. I’m also a big fan of Winston Churchill. The highlight of my historic visits so far is the one I spent in Bath with my two daughters. Walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps is something I will never forget.
I envy you both that visit. I love seeing historical places. I’m also a big fan of Winston Churchill. The highlight of my historic visits so far is the one I spent in Bath with my two daughters. Walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps is something I will never forget.
I envy you both that visit. I love seeing historical places. I’m also a big fan of Winston Churchill. The highlight of my historic visits so far is the one I spent in Bath with my two daughters. Walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps is something I will never forget.
Looking forward to seeing where the visits in Ireland took you to. I wonder were you anywhere near where I live!!
Looking forward to seeing where the visits in Ireland took you to. I wonder were you anywhere near where I live!!
Looking forward to seeing where the visits in Ireland took you to. I wonder were you anywhere near where I live!!
Looking forward to seeing where the visits in Ireland took you to. I wonder were you anywhere near where I live!!
Looking forward to seeing where the visits in Ireland took you to. I wonder were you anywhere near where I live!!
Thanks for the wonderful tour. It is evident that both of you are as much in love with history as I.
Thanks for the wonderful tour. It is evident that both of you are as much in love with history as I.
Thanks for the wonderful tour. It is evident that both of you are as much in love with history as I.
Thanks for the wonderful tour. It is evident that both of you are as much in love with history as I.
Thanks for the wonderful tour. It is evident that both of you are as much in love with history as I.
I am hoping to get to Winterthur later this year. It’s one of the DuPont family mansions in Delaware, that was converted to a museum, and the gardens are supposed to be fantastic.
I am hoping to get to Winterthur later this year. It’s one of the DuPont family mansions in Delaware, that was converted to a museum, and the gardens are supposed to be fantastic.
I am hoping to get to Winterthur later this year. It’s one of the DuPont family mansions in Delaware, that was converted to a museum, and the gardens are supposed to be fantastic.
I am hoping to get to Winterthur later this year. It’s one of the DuPont family mansions in Delaware, that was converted to a museum, and the gardens are supposed to be fantastic.
I am hoping to get to Winterthur later this year. It’s one of the DuPont family mansions in Delaware, that was converted to a museum, and the gardens are supposed to be fantastic.
Yes,I’d forgotten it’s name! Our tour went by, but didn’t stop! Just as well, because we’d only have tantalized ourselves in the short time we ould have been given.
Yes,I’d forgotten it’s name! Our tour went by, but didn’t stop! Just as well, because we’d only have tantalized ourselves in the short time we ould have been given.
Yes,I’d forgotten it’s name! Our tour went by, but didn’t stop! Just as well, because we’d only have tantalized ourselves in the short time we ould have been given.
Yes,I’d forgotten it’s name! Our tour went by, but didn’t stop! Just as well, because we’d only have tantalized ourselves in the short time we ould have been given.
Yes,I’d forgotten it’s name! Our tour went by, but didn’t stop! Just as well, because we’d only have tantalized ourselves in the short time we ould have been given.
Bath is a VERY special place, Teresa. That had to have been a wonderful experience.
Blenheim has a special permanent display on Winston Churchill, which was quite lovely, as of course they had lots of childhood photos. It’s hard to imagine growing up in a place like that!
In London, I also visited the Chr urchill War Rooms, which were quite amazing. yes—there will be a blog on that coming!
Bath is a VERY special place, Teresa. That had to have been a wonderful experience.
Blenheim has a special permanent display on Winston Churchill, which was quite lovely, as of course they had lots of childhood photos. It’s hard to imagine growing up in a place like that!
In London, I also visited the Chr urchill War Rooms, which were quite amazing. yes—there will be a blog on that coming!
Bath is a VERY special place, Teresa. That had to have been a wonderful experience.
Blenheim has a special permanent display on Winston Churchill, which was quite lovely, as of course they had lots of childhood photos. It’s hard to imagine growing up in a place like that!
In London, I also visited the Chr urchill War Rooms, which were quite amazing. yes—there will be a blog on that coming!
Bath is a VERY special place, Teresa. That had to have been a wonderful experience.
Blenheim has a special permanent display on Winston Churchill, which was quite lovely, as of course they had lots of childhood photos. It’s hard to imagine growing up in a place like that!
In London, I also visited the Chr urchill War Rooms, which were quite amazing. yes—there will be a blog on that coming!
Bath is a VERY special place, Teresa. That had to have been a wonderful experience.
Blenheim has a special permanent display on Winston Churchill, which was quite lovely, as of course they had lots of childhood photos. It’s hard to imagine growing up in a place like that!
In London, I also visited the Chr urchill War Rooms, which were quite amazing. yes—there will be a blog on that coming!
It was Mary Jo who went to Ireland. (And I’m sure she’ll be blogging about it.) Alas, I didn’t get there this time, but hope to soon!
It was Mary Jo who went to Ireland. (And I’m sure she’ll be blogging about it.) Alas, I didn’t get there this time, but hope to soon!
It was Mary Jo who went to Ireland. (And I’m sure she’ll be blogging about it.) Alas, I didn’t get there this time, but hope to soon!
It was Mary Jo who went to Ireland. (And I’m sure she’ll be blogging about it.) Alas, I didn’t get there this time, but hope to soon!
It was Mary Jo who went to Ireland. (And I’m sure she’ll be blogging about it.) Alas, I didn’t get there this time, but hope to soon!
Yes, we are total history nerds! I just really love visiting places that have a “backstory” and love knowing all the details.
Yes, we are total history nerds! I just really love visiting places that have a “backstory” and love knowing all the details.
Yes, we are total history nerds! I just really love visiting places that have a “backstory” and love knowing all the details.
Yes, we are total history nerds! I just really love visiting places that have a “backstory” and love knowing all the details.
Yes, we are total history nerds! I just really love visiting places that have a “backstory” and love knowing all the details.
That sounds wonderful. Karin! Yes, I’ve heard the gardens are really special, so I’m sure you’ll have a great experience.
That sounds wonderful. Karin! Yes, I’ve heard the gardens are really special, so I’m sure you’ll have a great experience.
That sounds wonderful. Karin! Yes, I’ve heard the gardens are really special, so I’m sure you’ll have a great experience.
That sounds wonderful. Karin! Yes, I’ve heard the gardens are really special, so I’m sure you’ll have a great experience.
That sounds wonderful. Karin! Yes, I’ve heard the gardens are really special, so I’m sure you’ll have a great experience.
I visited Blenheim in the summer of 1998. My friend and I took a bus from Oxford and spent almost a whole day there. I enjoyed everywhere we visited that summer, but that was one of the very very high points. Being “regency” readers, Bath was also a favorite place, but the splendor of the Palace and the grounds gave us great impression of what the great houses were really like and how large and grand they were.
I visited Blenheim in the summer of 1998. My friend and I took a bus from Oxford and spent almost a whole day there. I enjoyed everywhere we visited that summer, but that was one of the very very high points. Being “regency” readers, Bath was also a favorite place, but the splendor of the Palace and the grounds gave us great impression of what the great houses were really like and how large and grand they were.
I visited Blenheim in the summer of 1998. My friend and I took a bus from Oxford and spent almost a whole day there. I enjoyed everywhere we visited that summer, but that was one of the very very high points. Being “regency” readers, Bath was also a favorite place, but the splendor of the Palace and the grounds gave us great impression of what the great houses were really like and how large and grand they were.
I visited Blenheim in the summer of 1998. My friend and I took a bus from Oxford and spent almost a whole day there. I enjoyed everywhere we visited that summer, but that was one of the very very high points. Being “regency” readers, Bath was also a favorite place, but the splendor of the Palace and the grounds gave us great impression of what the great houses were really like and how large and grand they were.
I visited Blenheim in the summer of 1998. My friend and I took a bus from Oxford and spent almost a whole day there. I enjoyed everywhere we visited that summer, but that was one of the very very high points. Being “regency” readers, Bath was also a favorite place, but the splendor of the Palace and the grounds gave us great impression of what the great houses were really like and how large and grand they were.
I felt exactly the same way, Beverly. Granted, not many grand houses compare to Blenheim Palace, but the imposing vastness, and the stretch of lands really brought home how the highest aristocrats really did live in a totally different world than the rest of society. The sheer mass of wealth was staggering.
I felt exactly the same way, Beverly. Granted, not many grand houses compare to Blenheim Palace, but the imposing vastness, and the stretch of lands really brought home how the highest aristocrats really did live in a totally different world than the rest of society. The sheer mass of wealth was staggering.
I felt exactly the same way, Beverly. Granted, not many grand houses compare to Blenheim Palace, but the imposing vastness, and the stretch of lands really brought home how the highest aristocrats really did live in a totally different world than the rest of society. The sheer mass of wealth was staggering.
I felt exactly the same way, Beverly. Granted, not many grand houses compare to Blenheim Palace, but the imposing vastness, and the stretch of lands really brought home how the highest aristocrats really did live in a totally different world than the rest of society. The sheer mass of wealth was staggering.
I felt exactly the same way, Beverly. Granted, not many grand houses compare to Blenheim Palace, but the imposing vastness, and the stretch of lands really brought home how the highest aristocrats really did live in a totally different world than the rest of society. The sheer mass of wealth was staggering.
In May 2017 i was fortunate to mark both Chatsworth and Blenheim off my bucket list. Both amazing but different in style. Loved the gardens, and the interiors, and the gift shops and….. Would love to spend another day at each. We also went to Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, and I finally made it to Temple Church in London before we had to leave. Oh and Chelsea Flower Show. It was awesome.
In May 2017 i was fortunate to mark both Chatsworth and Blenheim off my bucket list. Both amazing but different in style. Loved the gardens, and the interiors, and the gift shops and….. Would love to spend another day at each. We also went to Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, and I finally made it to Temple Church in London before we had to leave. Oh and Chelsea Flower Show. It was awesome.
In May 2017 i was fortunate to mark both Chatsworth and Blenheim off my bucket list. Both amazing but different in style. Loved the gardens, and the interiors, and the gift shops and….. Would love to spend another day at each. We also went to Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, and I finally made it to Temple Church in London before we had to leave. Oh and Chelsea Flower Show. It was awesome.
In May 2017 i was fortunate to mark both Chatsworth and Blenheim off my bucket list. Both amazing but different in style. Loved the gardens, and the interiors, and the gift shops and….. Would love to spend another day at each. We also went to Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, and I finally made it to Temple Church in London before we had to leave. Oh and Chelsea Flower Show. It was awesome.
In May 2017 i was fortunate to mark both Chatsworth and Blenheim off my bucket list. Both amazing but different in style. Loved the gardens, and the interiors, and the gift shops and….. Would love to spend another day at each. We also went to Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, and I finally made it to Temple Church in London before we had to leave. Oh and Chelsea Flower Show. It was awesome.
I am finding it hard to imagine the size of Blenheim. Would love to see it; I probably won’t though as I have no way of getting to the other side of the world at this stage. The feel of all that history and age must be wonderful. Nothing man-made is nearly that old in Australia!
I am finding it hard to imagine the size of Blenheim. Would love to see it; I probably won’t though as I have no way of getting to the other side of the world at this stage. The feel of all that history and age must be wonderful. Nothing man-made is nearly that old in Australia!
I am finding it hard to imagine the size of Blenheim. Would love to see it; I probably won’t though as I have no way of getting to the other side of the world at this stage. The feel of all that history and age must be wonderful. Nothing man-made is nearly that old in Australia!
I am finding it hard to imagine the size of Blenheim. Would love to see it; I probably won’t though as I have no way of getting to the other side of the world at this stage. The feel of all that history and age must be wonderful. Nothing man-made is nearly that old in Australia!
I am finding it hard to imagine the size of Blenheim. Would love to see it; I probably won’t though as I have no way of getting to the other side of the world at this stage. The feel of all that history and age must be wonderful. Nothing man-made is nearly that old in Australia!