May 25, 2003

May 25, 2003

This morning we drove into the center of Oxford and parked near the University. Oxford is a conglomeration of 39 colleges. We wanted to walk-through Christ Church College, one of the most prestigious, but find it to be within a walled compound. They have tours, but on Sunday, they don’t start till the afternoon. We walk around the meadow or park that abuts it and watch lots of student sporting activities.

Getting frustrated with Oxford, we hop in the car and drive to nearby Blenheim Palace. Blenheim is the home of the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It is a remarkable place. Palace is no overstatement. This place rivals Versailles in size and opulence. It was a gift to John Churchill, the first Duke, as a gift from the British people for his leadership in defeating the French in 1704 at the Battle of Blenheim. What a gift!

We take a guided tour of this very plush palace. The interior has painted ceilings, tapestried walls, collections of portraits, fine furniture, and a small exhibit on the life of Winston and his American mother. We then walk the magnificent grounds and gardens. They are just as spectacular as the interior. Aimee loved the hedge maze. This World Heritage site is high on my must-see list for England.

We spend the night in a B&B in Maidenhead outside Heathrow.