John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722), the aristocrat, politician and above all military commander, was a national hero.
In reward for his service to the country and for victories at the Battle of Blenheim (1702) and other battles in the War of Spanish Succession(1701 – 1714), Queen Anne and the Nation awarded him the manor of Woodstock, a Royal deer park, on which to build a palace.
The result was a sumptuous palace designed by the architect, Sir John Vanbrugh and a park designed by the landscape gardener, Capability Brown.
Ancient Rights of Way still pass through the Park allowing an impressive circular walk of 7 miles, with magnificent views across the Great Lake to the Grand Bridge and the Palace itself.
Blenheim Palace from Queen Pool
A cloudy and overcast start to the walk
Cycling towards the Column of Victory
Dappled shade
Sheep pastures under blue skies
Backwater reflections
The Grand Bridge
Blenheim Palace on a gorgeous summer afternoon
Best
Anne
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