The name Blenheim derives from a decisive battle that took place on the 13th August 1704 on the north bank of the river Danube, near a small village called Blindheim or Blenheim, where the French leader, Marshall Tallard, had fixed his lines. Here, John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, won a great allied victory over the forces of Louis XIV, thus saving Europe from French domination.

In reward for his services in defending Holland and Austria from invasion by the French, a grateful Queen Anne granted to Marlborough the Royal Manor of Woodstock and signified that she would build him, at her own expense, a house to be called Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace is near the town of Woodstock, eight miles North of Oxford. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim in 1874 and is buried in nearby Bladon churchyard.

Opening Times
For further information regarding Blenheim Palace and current opening times please view their website at: www.blenheimpalace.com

Address & Location
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PX
Telephone: 01993 811325 for recorded information

Blenheim Palace and Woodstock lie 8 miles North of Oxford on the A44 Evesham Road. The nearest mainline railway station is Oxford. Buses (No.20) run from Oxford Bus Station to Woodstock, stopping at the park gate.