Monday, July 8

Today was the first time the group was able to travel via one of the famous double-decker buses of England.  We took the bus to a small town called Woodstock roughly twenty minutes outside of Oxford.  Woodstock holds one of the most visually stunning World Heritage sights in the world, the Blenheim Palace.  The Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Elizabeth to the 1^st Duke of Marlborough following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim.  The Palace was built on top of a hill looking out over a man made landscape of over 2000 acres of land.  Looking down the hill from the front of the Palace, I observed the Column of Victory which is in a large grassy field with sheep grazing around it which is just past the bridge that takes you across the huge green man-made lake.  Once inside Blenheim Palace we observed the 1874 Churchill exhibit.  The exhibit included the room and bed he was born in as well as many original family heirlooms such as weapons, armor, furniture, artwork and much more.  The palace chapel and library were both incredible to see and the palace’s organ is still in mint condition and quite the spectacle.  A truly amazing thing to witness in person is the land surrounding the palace.  The gardens of Blenheim as well as the famous rose garden were remarkable.  The path we took to explore followed a beautiful river with a huge waterfall with pheasants and huge carp patrolling the riverbanks.  I really enjoy checking out the bird wild life, the river and lake have huge flocks of swans and wood ducks with babies not far behind them.  Finishing up our tour I was very pleased to have experienced historic foreign architecture of a different heritage.

Submitted by Peter Lonergan

Class starting the day recording thoughts and impressions in their journals.

Finally riding on a double decker bus!

A clear, sunny day at Blenheim with the Tower of Victory in the background.

Class (and sheep) eating lunch in the shade of the Column of Victory.

Touring Blenheim Palace and grounds.