April 30: Yesterday, we visited Blenheim Palace where Winston Churchill was born. This is just one wing of the impressive residence. It is huge, grand, and "was built to impress" according to one of the guides. No photography allowed inside but there is a Winston Churchill display and the bedroom where he was born. He did not live here after childhood. Blenheim was given to the Duke of Marlborough by Queen Anne after he had won the battle of Blenheim in 1704. Nice gift, including the 2000 acres, now gorgeous gardens and a field where jousting tournaments are still held.
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| Nice front door, Sir Winston. |
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| Now here's a boy who knew where he was going, like me, remarked A-bear. |
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| No sons, no fun! |
Friday, April 27....
Leaving Scotland last Friday, we stopped in Jedburgh, another abbey, another old house where Queen Mary resided for a month. Mary, says Earl, was a tragic figure in British history, because of her inability to choose friends and husbands wisely.
John Knox, among others, were Mary's opponents. Knox attempted to influence Mary to no avail. Mary's greatest contribution to history was her son, James VI of Scotland who then became James I of England. He is responsible for the King James Bible (400th anniversary in 2011) plus his kingdom united Scotland and England.
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| Jedburgh Abbey has overlooked the town since 1138. At night it is lighted through the arches revealing it's amazing architectural arches. |
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