Mom and John Luke have now spent five and a half days on the fast moving 2 Papa tour train—actually, tour walk would better describe our adventures. Today’s tour included just one stop, but it was a doozy, as they say--plenty of walking and plenty of standing. Weather wise—it was cold, but no rain, which was much better for sight-seeing than yesterday’s downpour.
We left this morning just before ten to catch the half past ten (as the Brits say) bus to Woodstock. No, we weren’t baby boomers dressed in bell buttoms, beads, and peace symbols looking for a music festival; this Woodstock is quite the opposite. It is the hometown of Blenheim Palace and Blenheim Palace is currently the actual, as in they really live there, home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. It is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, a name a little more familiar to us Americans. It seems Sir Winston was the grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough and his mother just happened to be visiting Blenheim when she got an unexpected surprise delivery she named Winston.
If you were to ask directions to Blenheim Palace and someone tell you “You can’t miss it,” they would be absolutely correct. Heading north from Oxford just before the lovely village of Woodstock, you would only need to look to your left, as the Palace stands majestically about a third of a mile off the road. You can't miss it. Our bus stopped, we departed, and then we stood--staring at this magnificent home as if we were Dorothy and her companions looking at the Emerald City. Judging the walk to the Palace (not a straight shot, I might add), we looked around for the tram to pick us up. But, we soon discovered Disneyworld is still in Florida and our legs would be our only source of transport for the rest of the day.
We followed our imaginary yellow brick road and soon arrived at the Emerald City. Getting our tour tickets took a little longer as 2 Papa (in bargain mode) quickly summed up the best deal—we needed a yearly membership. That required photos and a longer wait, but we will come back later this month with Ryan and Pam so why not save a few pounds. Finally inside, the tour began.
The Palace is room after enchanting room displaying hand-painted walls and ceilings, elaborate tapestries, beautifully arranged porcelain and furniture collections, and two well-place gift shops. In seems the current Duke, John George Vanderbilt Henry Spencer-Churchill, 11th Duke of Marlborough, whose estimated wealth is 185 million pounds (approximately double that for dollars) needs a little help in the upkeep of the enormous home and 2100 acres that surrounds it. If you’ve complained over the summer about mowing your yard, come see the grounds of this home that include impeccably groomed lawns, magnificent gardens, and an impressive lake complete with radiant white ducks.
For a little background history, the land and the money to build a home was originally a gift from Queen Anne in 1704 to the First Duke of Marlborough after his many military successes. There were two minor problems. First, the Duchess didn’t want such an elaborate home, preferring a smaller one designed for comfort, and second, the royal funds eventually dried up, leaving the Duke and Duchess to foot the remainder of the bill. Over the years, there have been more skeletons in the closets of Blenheim, but for the most part the Dukes and Duchesses have used their time wisely and supported many good deeds for England.
After seeing the fourth room full of old tapestries, old paintings and old silver goblets (as a kid sees it), John Luke had seen enough, but this is a huge house—with the end nowhere in sight. He patiently endured the THREE hours it took to see it all, as 2 Papa always insists.
The sleepy, little town of Woodstock was another mile walk, but food was now essential as it was two o’clock, well past our one-piece-of-toast-breakfast, so off we went. A friend had drawn us a map to the best pub in town. It was further away than any of the other eating places in town, but it was downhill—no problem. We arrived to discover it closed at two. Now, a problem. The easy downhill walk was now an uphill climb. Mom says she is definitely well on her way to an exercise program once she gets home.
The day really was great and mom and I even got in some shopping once we got back to Oxford. The stores stay open late on Thursday night. Instead of closing at half past five, they close at six. Woohoo! But, we had plenty of time to pick up a few souvenirs, some groceries, and head home. Tonight was order in pizza and watch another episode of Harry Potter. GREAT FUN!
Looking at that great mansion today, I couldn’t help but think of the mansion being prepared for you and me. One day, we’ll all meet up in celebration in our heavenly homes.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1
Have a great evening.
Hugs, 2 Mama
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