Saving 'The Finest View in England'
Estimated project cost: £9,000,000
In 2016 planning started for the restoration of Queen Pool and vital repairs to the Grand Bridge. Created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown over 250 years ago, Queen Pool has become extensively silted, with 75% of the volume lost and the water quality and ecology degraded.
The ambitious project due to start in 2021 will not only reinvigorate the biological health of the lake but also allow vital restoration work to take place to the Grand Bridge.
Fishing at Blenheim Palace
Please note, this means that the Fishery will be closed for the foreseeable future. We apologise for any inconvenience and hope that anglers sympathise with the challenges we face. The restoration project is in the long-terms interest of all who enjoy the Lake.
Discovering hidden treasures…
For the first time in over 100 years, areas of the Grand Bridge will be uncovered, revealing hidden rooms and many other fascinating archaeological features. The lowering of the water level may also provide a rare glimpse of the formal canal scheme constructed over 300 years ago by Colonel John Armstrong, the 1st Duke of Marlborough’s chief engineer.
What about the wildlife?
As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it is our duty to protect the ecology and wildlife on the Estate. Our experts will be monitoring and taking careful measures to protect the fish in the lake and the wildlife that live in and around it. The project is being coordinated with Heritage England, Natural England, Environmental Agency, West Oxfordshire District Council, Thames Water and the local community.
Did you know?
250,000 cubic metres of silt needs to be removed from Queen Pool… enough to fill Wembley Stadium to the top!
How is this project being funded?
It is being funded by a number of sources, including visitor admissions income, gift aid donations and the proceeds of development on Blenheim Estate land. In addition, further funds are being raised through public and corporate donations as well as a wider fundraising activity. Should you be interested to actively support this vital project, we have set up a PayPal giving account to receive contributions.
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