Having just left the world of Winston Churchill, we decided to see where he was born. Also Kathy read a book on the Queen Mary entitled "Glitter and the Gold", an autobiography of Consuelo Vanderbilt and her years as the mistress of Blenheim Palace. Both reasons led us to this lovely, historic place on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
The palace was built between 1705-1722 as a gift to John Churchill, a military leader who was victorious at the Battle of Blenheim.....who, what, when, where, why the Battle of Blenheim? It would take a few more pages. Suffice to say, England was very grateful to Churchill, the Master General of the Armies. He was awarded not only this splendid palace but also the title "Duke of Marlborough". Queen Anne created the title in 1702 and Churchill was the first to be granted the title. Unfortunately, Churchill died before he was able to live in the palace! As we approach the main gate, we are cautioned to turn right. No one is able to enter because there is an upcoming wedding ceremony
Thanks to the "ticket taker", we were advised that the wedding is of Indian culture and the groom is arriving in approximately 20 minutes, so we decided to stay and watch.
The clothing was fabulous!!!
Unfortunately, we do not have audio to share the music with you. The drums, the trumpet and the trombone were loud, rhythmic and just made you wanna dance!!
The groom is being chauffeured in to the main gate, accompanied by, we think, the family. The guests are the ones waiting inside the gate.
A quick peek at the groom, waving....young, handsome and eager!
The man in the golden turban must have been the officiant. He called 20 or more family members from both sides to step up, two at a time, one from each side of the new family. He put a gold beaded lei around each neck....they hugged, some danced together....the men were the most affectionate, expressive and even funny!!! We never did see the bride. Her father had reserved the most expensive restaurant on the premises for the ceremony and the reception.
Enough of that, on to the Palace and its "gold and glitter". It is located on a 7 acre site on the outskirts of Woodstock, England. Would you believe 200,000 square feet with only 9 staterooms?
This nameplate deletes Consuelos's maiden name: Vanderbilt. Consuelo was born in NYC in 1877 to William Kissam Vanderbilt, of the famous railroad millionaire family and his first wife, Alva. Consuelo is the great granddaughter of the Commodore, Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Consuelo was nicknamed "Long Neck".
Her marriage to Charles Spencer Churchill, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, was arranged by her mother. Consuelo was in love with another man whom she wished to marry, but her mother was determined that her only daughter would "marry up".
The book "Glitter and the Gold" described Consuelo's long, arduous tenure as the Duchess of Marlborough.....of rarely seeing her husband unless it was a state event. the many hours necessary to plan week- long parties at Blenheim for as many as 20 guests.
Her husband, Charles Spencer-Churchill, the 9th Duke of Marlborough restored Blenheim Palace with one million trees, formal gardens, equipped the library, added 10 carat gold to the Great Court and the formal sitting rooms......with his wife's dowry. She, on the other hand, endeared herself to the common people by helping the poor of the small town Woodstock, taking food from the Palace, going to the local school to help with needlework, reading and cooking.
The enormous tapestries pictured below depict various battles, notably the Battle of Blenheim. They are displayed in a unique fashion, i.e., set in corners and encasing both walls.....magnificent works of art. The "glittering gold" was the Duke's touch with Consuelo's $$$$
I found many similarities between Blenheim Palace and the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC.
I get lost in the linear genealogy of both Consuelo and Winston Churchill.....to keep a loooong story short, they were cousins by marriage.
Consuelo and the Duke separated, divorced and their marriage was eventually annulled, with the blessing of Alva, Consuelo's mother, who testified that she forced Consuelo into a loveless marriage and that it was a mistake. Many years later, Consuelo remarried a Frenchman.....here she is picture in her Florida home with her still favourite cousin and lifelong friend, Winston Churchill.
