A little change in scenery as we headed for the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill this morning. The opulence of Blenheim Palace is evident in every aspect of the grounds. We entered into the striking beauty of the Great Hall, surrounded by gilt framed oil paintings of Dukes and Duchesses and the watchful eyes of the many statues watching from their pedestals in every corner.
I really enjoyed the letters Sir Winston Churchill wrote to his dad when he was just a lad. He seemed so earnest from a young age already. Of course, in the war he was captured and held in, what is now, Pretoria Boys High School, where Greg went for a year before we emigrated, which is part of the reason for our interest in Sir Winston's involvement in the war.
At midday, in the hope of a warm walk around the gardens, we strolled through the formal fountain gardens and along the riverwalk to the cascades. The grounds are extensive, with a lake around the property creating a natural softness to the landscape.
Needing a bit of cover, we opted to do the 'Untold Story" audio tour from the servants point of view. They were much loved and cared for and led interesting lives of drama and some infidelity.
Onwards to Blenheim Station to catch the choo-choo train to the Pleasure Garden and maze. It looked deceivingly like a children's fun zone, but let me tell you, it is not! We had a blast but admittedly took it in turns to get lost. After 1/2 hour of walking in aMAZEment (sorry), we found the way out and made straight for the cafe and coffee.
Back on the choo-choo and home James.
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