Today we went to the biggest tourist attraction in the Cotswold's, Blenheim Palace. John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough successfully defeated the French and Bavarian armies at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. In appreciation of his victory that stopped France from having supreme power in Europe, Queen Anne granted him the Manor of Woodstock and the funds to build it surrounded by 2,500 acres of forest and parkland. Completed in 1724, Blenheim Palace is one of England's largest houses and the only non-royal residence to hold the title of palace. The palace was also the birthplace of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who's cousin became the 9th Duke of Marlborough. The palace still remains the home of the Dukes of Marlborough-the present title holder is John Spencer-Churchill, 11th Duke of Marlborough. His family still occupies the same suite of rooms as the the 1st Duke of Marlborough. There are three tours that take you through the palace (past history, palace rooms and Winston Churchill Exhibition). We also walked around some of the amazing gardens and parkland before heading back to Broadway. This is definitely a place you have to see if you ever get to the Cotswold's.
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