Blenheim Palace

viewed from Water Garden

In 1704 the 1^st Duke of Marlborough defeated the French at Blenheim in Bavaria in the major battle in the War of Spanish Succession. During the following 20 years, in gratitude to the 1st Duke, the magnificent Blenheim Palace was built in some 2000 acres of parkland. The Palace makes for a memorable visit with exceptional state rooms, a very good exhibition of the life and times of Sir Winston Churchill (born in the Palace), the Blenheim Maze, the Orangery and the Lake .