Blenheim Palace & Warwick Castle

Greetings loyal subjects! Today, a royal treat - photos of our excursion to Blenheim Palace and Warwick Castle! 'Twas a very regal day indeed.

Blenheim Palace, current residence of the dukes of Marlborough. Buillt in the 1700s, the land was gifted to John Churchill after he beat the French at the battle of Blenheim. That little 'gift' of 4,000 acres would equal nearly 2 billion pounds today! Sweet deal



A crown is still the most preferred type of head wear for the palace.
However, in the absence of something more formal, any hat will do.



We were most fascinated by the gift shop. They had some very interesting trinkets there...

...like carpet beaters. (You can't just vaccuum the dirt out of those expensive Persian rugs!)

...and bread crumb dusters (because you have to be careful with the French lace dining cloths...they're rather delicate!)

A quick ride on the palace choo-choo, and then it was off to Warwick Castle.

Warwick Castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1068.

We climbed up those stairs to get past the ramparts and to the tower.
It was nearly 500 steps...can't imagine doing that in a full suit of armor.

And o'er the ramparts we watched...a sword fight below. Awesome.

'Guys Tower' built c.1395. Aka 'medieval mancave'

The trebuchet display was pretty cool. They launched a giant ball of fire 200m into the air, across the lawn.
Just like they did in the olde days :)


The next day trip is to Bath and Stonehenge in two weeks. But before then, you can look forward to posts about Halloween in Oxford, Johnny Depp speaking at the Union, and pictures from some dances/balls! As always, I'll keep you posted :)