Blenheim And the Churchill Family: A Personal Portrait

Every history buff wishes that walls could talk. In this first book ever written about Blenheim and the Churchills by a family member Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill explores the relationship between one of historys most important families and its ancestral home. As though perusing a family album she conveys the familys exceptional history and how each generation changed the estate and how it changed them. Momentous events that changed the course of history are recounted as family reminiscences. Blenheim was a reward from Queen Anne to the first Duke of Marlborough for saving much of Europe from the domination of Louis XIV and instantly became the familys center stage. Sir Winston Churchill was born in a back bedroom to his American-born mother Jennie Jerome. Later he directed Britains World War II efforts from its study. Blenheim has witnessed some of historys most colorful characters including the ancestors of the late Diana Princess of Wales and Consuelo Vanderbilt the American heiress who conquered British high society.Widely considered Englands finest example of baroque architecture this is a rare glimpse into parts of the house never seen on public tours and no history buff or visitor will want to be without this remarkable guide.