Blenheim Palace

Yesterday afternoon, a few of us decided to take our own mini field trip to Blenheim Palace, home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of England's most famous prime minister: Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill.

You can read about his life in detail, whether online or in a book, but here are a few facts:

Churchill was born 30 November 1874, two months prematurely. He graduated from Sandhurst after failing his exams not once, not twice, but three times ... ! He served in Bombay and India, then during the First World War as First Lord of the Admiralty. He served two terms as Prime Minister, painted (very well!) as a hobby, smoked Havana cigars, was made an honorary Citizen of the United States, and was related to Diana, Princess of Wales (nee Spencer).

Unfortunately for us, we were unable to photograph the inside of the palace, but if you visit the website, you should be able to find some pictures:

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/

We were, however, able to visit and photograph the extensive gardens, to our great content! The estate is over 1200 acres, containing many gardens, fountains, wooded areas, a hedge maze, rose gardens, and a butterfly house! Here are some fun shots of these areas. Enjoy!