Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, has announced a line-up of events to celebrate his 150th anniversary. As well as being his place of birth, Churchill also proposed to his future wife, Clementine Hozier, at the Temple of Diana, located near the Water Terraces of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can embark on a journey through the living history of this iconic figure as Blenheim Palace celebrates his enduring legacy with VIP Churchill Tours available throughout 2024. The itinerary includes a private tour of the Palace State Rooms, Churchill exhibition and Private Apartments, a guided buggy tour to Churchill’s grave and a Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Alternatively, visitors can join one of the weekly Churchill at Blenheim tours, which run every Wednesday between February and October. This tour is included with an annual pass, palace, park and gardens, and day ticket.
‘Winstan’ is an impersonation created by Stan Streather as a tribute to the great wartime leader, bringing Winston Churchill to a new generation. On specific dates (18, 19 May, 29, 30 June, 20, 21 July, 10, 11, 24, 25, 26 August, 15, 16 September, 12, 13 October and 30 November) there will be the opportunity to meet ‘Winstan’ and Clementine, which is included in an annual pass, palace, park and gardens, and day ticket.
To commemorate the anniversary, there will also be specially-themed Churchill Afternoon Teas available in the Orangery on 7 May, 3 July and 10 September. ‘Winstan’ will make a special appearance, for diners to immerse themselves in the anniversary celebrations.
Blenheim has also worked closely with some of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of its own fashion icon, Sir Winston Churchill. The Icons of British Fashion exhibition (23 March – 30 June) will unveil a captivating collection including one of the original Churchill Siren Suits on loan from Turnbull & Asser, as well as a new take on the iconic boiler suit and a specially designed smoking cap by Stephen Jones. On closer inspection, the velvet cap will feature Winston Churchill’s hand-embroidered initials as well as a clementine – in honour of his wife – within the lining.
Antonia Keaney, Social Historian at Blenheim Palace commented, “We are thrilled to be taking part in the national celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of this great man. Blenheim Palace – and the Marlborough family – were tremendously important to Sir Winston at every stage of his life; not only was he born here, but he continued to spend periods of time at Blenheim until he was well into his late 80s. It speaks volumes that he chose to be buried at Bladon, amongst members of his family and within sight of his beloved Blenheim Palace.
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