Lecturer: Antonia Keaney
Booking Months:
Cost: £40 - Lunch & Coffee, Tea included
Location: Letcombe Regis Village Hall, OX12 9LJ
300 years of Blenheim Palace’s History – and the continuing Battle for Blenheim
An overview of Blenheim Palace’s rich and chequered history which looks at why the Palace took so long to build – and why it was never completed; the Dukes and Duchesses who made positive contributions to the Estate as well as those who did exactly the opposite – and, of course, a look at the Palace’s greatest son – Winston Churchill.
An explanation also of why this continuing battle is as crucial to the Palace today as the Battle of Blenheim was for the future of England in 1704.
Odd Men and Necessary Women – Servants of a Great Palace
This talk provides an insight into the colourful life and work of those who have served at Blenheim Palace through the ages both inside the Palace and outside in the wider estate.
At Blenheim Palace there were all the traditional servants to be found below stairs – but also some ‘Odd’ and ‘Necessary’ ones peculiar only to the Palace!
Lust and Laudanum – The Ladies of Blenheim Palace
An entertaining look at the lives and loves of the ladies of the Marlborough family – usually overlooked in favour of the men.
Beginning with Queen Anne’s ‘Favourite’ Sarah Churchill, the indomitable 1st Duchess of Marlborough, and continuing through the centuries with the adventures of some of her successors, this talk redresses the balance as it looks at the achievement of some of the women and discusses the thwarted talents and potential of other members of the Marlborough family.