Friday 1st August 2008

Day Nineteen - Blenheim Palace, Oxford

Our day starts at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, just outside the village of Woodstock.  There has been a royal residence on the site of the current palace since the 12th century.  In 1704 Queen Anne granted the land to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough after his victory against the French at the battle of Blenheim.  The palace is the only residence built for a non royal that has the title 'palace'.  The building was finished in 1722 and the magnificent design by John Vanbrugh leaves you impressed.  We are split into 4 groups and were guided around the state rooms.  The 11th Duke still lives in the palace and there are only certain parts available for public viewing.  What we do see is magnificent and reminiscent of Versailles.  The famous tapestries that hang in the state rooms, depicting moments from the 1st Duke's campaign are just one of the many treasures.  The architecture and the paintings along with the insights we get from the guides are fascinating.

The gardens at Blenheim are beautiful and reflect many different elements, from the water gardens to the fragrant rose garden.  We gather for lunch and sit in the grounds looking across the lake and up to the Victory Column on top of which stands the 1st Duke.  Then it is back on the coaches for the short journey to Oxford.

Oxford, famous for its University, has many glories and we get to see some of them as guides take us around the city pointing out some of the sites.  The earliest college was founded in the 12th century and the university has been a place of intellect since those early days.  Many of the great and the good (as well as some rogues!) throughout history have spent time at Oxford.  The tour takes us past colleges, libraries and landmark buildings like the Radcliffe Camera.  Then there is time to look around the city and buy the 'Oxford University" sweatshirts before getting back on the coaches.  Most of the students are quite tired but have enjoyed their day.  The final day of the program beckons.