Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace was built in the early 1700s as a reward for the first Duke of Marlboro, John Churchill, in recognition for his success as a commander, particularly in the Spanish War of Secession and the Battle of Blenheim at the end of the war. However, the Churchills fell in and out of favor with Queen Ann resulting in funding issues and the estate being a family rather than a royal manor. The 180 plus room palace resides on 2100 acres. Today, it is a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the birthplace and the family home of Winston Churchill.