Themed Tours for Groups

While guided tours continue to be a highlight of a visit to Blenheim Palace, an extended series of themed talks and tours are being offered for organised groups during 2008.

Over the last 300 years, the famous and infamous, have visited and lived in this masterpiece of English baroque architecture. The fascinating themed tours look at some these personalities in detail, as well as at life below stairs. Six different themed tours are available covering the following areas:

Domestic Service – The ‘Downstairs’ World Explored

led by Jeri Bapasola, Palace Historian & Author of ‘Household Matters: Domestic service at Blenheim Palace’

Servants have always formed an invisible part of the household at Blenheim Palace. Since 1719, when the 1st Duke and Duchess moved into their newly built house, Blenheim Palace has been continuously occupied by the Marlborough family. Through every generation, large numbers of staff were required to cater and provide for all their requirements. The previously unexplored 'downstairs' world of servants, their duties and the layout of the service wings is revealed in this fascinating tour accompanied by a short introductory talk.

A Palace at War – Evacuees and Espionage

led by Karen Wiseman, Palace Historian

The Marlborough family, Estate staff and the Palace itself played a full and energetic part in the war effort. This talk and tour tells the story of how the Palace prepared for the worst, survived the onslaught of 400 boys evacuated to Blenheim and kept the secrets of MI5. The talk will introduce visitors to such characters as the 10th Duchess, Mr. Sacre (land agent, ARP Warden and member of the Home Guard), and the PE teacher who was a conscientious objector. Photographs of Malvern College at Blenheim will be on display throughout the Palace during the tour so visitors can see and hear how the boys lived and learned.

The Unknown Winston

led by Karen Wiseman, Palace Historian

The private resources of Blenheim are drawn upon to afford very new and refreshing insights this remarkable man. A talk followed by a special tour creates a fresh understanding of Churchill, ranging informatively, entertainingly and often movingly over incidents throughout his life. We will examine the breadth of talent, achievement and personality of the “Greatest Briton”: soldier, politician, statesman, painter, writer, orator, family man – and bricklayer!

The Ladies of Blenheim Palace

led by Karen Wiseman

A fascinating and entertaining look at the ladies of the Marlborough/Churchill family usually overlooked in favour of the men. The story of the Marlborough/Churchill family at Blenheim has normally been told entirely through the men. Over three centuries the ladies have had little chance to catch the public eye. This talk and tour redresses the balance in an entertaining and informative way. They register the achievement of some, the thwarted talents and potential of others and the degrees of humour, eccentricity, pathos, interest and difficult circumstances of “The Ladies of Blenheim”

The Victory Tapestries of John Churchill

led by Jeri Bapasola, Palace Historian and Author

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, was the Greatest military commander of his age. In the early 18th century, he commissioned a unique set of tapestries to commemorate his famous victories at Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde and Malplaquet. This talk and tour will explain how the tapestries were made as well as the wealth of detail in each panel, covering actual events that occured in the battles and the method of warfare at the time. Led by Jeri Bapasola, author of Threads of History: The tapestries at Blenheim Palace.

The House that John Built

led by Jeri Bapasola, Palace Historian and Author

John Vanburgh, the architect and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor were both at Blenheim when the foundation stone was laid in 1705. Why then did the house take more than 25 years to be completed? This slide illustrated talk and tour will reveal the fascinating story of the building of this grand house for one of England’s greatest military leaders, John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and his unforgettable wife, Sarah.

Details and booking procedure

Each day begins at 10.30am with coffee and biscuits in the Palace’s Indian Room. The talk commences at 11am, followed by a tour of the Palace at 11.30am led by the specialist. The tour finishes at 12.30pm and you are free to spend the rest of the day in the Palace and grounds. Please contact the Groups’ Co-ordinator on 01993 811091 to book or email operations@blenheimpalace.com for further information.

Tour details, booking and prices

Booking information:

A group constitutes 15 paying visitors. 25 places available are available on each tour.

Tours must be pre-booked and pre-paid through the Groups co-ordinator (non-refundable).

The price includes full day entry to the Palace, Park and gardens, special talk, tour and morning refreshment.