Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace was built at the behest of Queen Anne to honour the first Duke of Marlborough following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. The magnificent scale and grandeur of Blenheim reflected the gratitude of Queen and country. It was the vision of the architect Sir Jon Vanbrugh and a shining example of the English Baroque style. Blenheim Palace has been home to the Dukes of Marlborough for over three hundred years. As an American, Julie visits Blenheim to find out more about the American heiresses who married into the Spencer-Churchill family at the turn of the twentieth century. Not least, Consuelo Vanderbilt who became the 9th Duchess of Marlborough and Jennie Jerome, who married Lord Randolph Churchill in 1874 – with their first son, Winston, born at Blenheim Palace.