New book by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill shows Blenheim Palace as it’s never been seem before
Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, twelfth generation of the family, takes readers on a privileged tour of Britain’s Greatest Palace in her latest book, ‘Blenheim – 300 years of Life in a Palace’.
Blenheim Palace has been home to the Churchill family for more than 300 years and regarded as one of the greatest stately homes and the finest example of baroque architecture in Great Britain, a treasure of English heritage. In addition to the gilded staterooms and acres of landscaped gardens, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill’s stunning volume shows the family’s private apartments, with their secret corridors and history of illustrious guests, as well as the “downstairs” staff area with its iconic bell system.
Featuring beautiful photography by Hugo Rittson Thomas of the magnificent interiors and priceless collections, and Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill’s fascinating text, the new book illuminates the UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s never been seen before.
‘Blenheim – 300 years of Life in a Palace’ is Lady Henrietta’s 12th book and was launched at a special event hosted at Blenheim Palace.
The new book will be available to buy through Woodstock Designs, in the Blenheim Palace gift shop, on Amazon, and through other leading online sellers.
Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill said: “Having been brought up in and around Blenheim all my life, the history of my family and architecture of the Palace has always been of great importance to me. It was a fascinating task to record 300 years of Life in Palace and compile it into a book covering everything from architecture to lifestyle over seven distinct chapters, which you can dip in and out of depending on your own interest.
“The photography is unique to this book and shows the superb details carried out by many talented craftsmen of the 18th century.”
Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill studied Art History before enrolling at the Inchbald School of Design and starting her interior design business “Woodstock Designs”. She specialises in the restoration and refurbishment of period and listed buildings and also has a company in the USA “Spencer-Churchill Designs Inc”. As well as her Interior Design business much of the author’s time is dedicated to the overseeing of the restorations of her family home Blenheim Palace, the running of the Blenheim Foundation and organising special and fund-raising events for local charities.
To purchase the book online, visit www.spencerchurchilldesigns.com
For more information about Blenheim Palace visit, www.blenheimpalace.com
ENDS
About the Author
Henrietta Spencer-Churchill is the author of 11 books and has carried out many lectures and TV appearances for historic documentaries and restoration programs. Blenheim – 300 years of Life in a Palace is her 12th book published in September 2024.
She studied Art History in Italy and France before enrolling at the Inchbald School of Design in London. She started her Interior Design business “Woodstock Designs” in 1981 having worked for 3 years with Diana Hanbury and Jean Monro.
She specialises in the restoration and refurbishment of period and listed buildings with emphasis placed on conserving their historic value and features whilst bringing them into the 21 st century. Many of her commissions are abroad which involves the challenges of learning about and incorporating local cultures and trends. She also has a company in the USA “Spencer-Churchill Designs Inc” and has worked on many new build houses in the Georgian Style as well as restoration projects in NYC, Atlanta, Dallas and Connecticut.
As well as her Interior Design business much of her time is dedicated to the overseeing of the restorations of her family home Blenheim Palace, the running of the Blenheim Foundation and organising special and fund-raising events for local charities.
About Blenheim Palace
Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped park and gardens, it was designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style and is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.
With over 300 years of history to share and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, the magnificent stately home has a rich variety of cultural highlights and an extensive programme of special events and exhibitions.
The total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres outside of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero, the growth of the local economy, the provision of affordable homes, apprenticeship training and supported community groups as part of its ambition to make this part of Oxfordshire a fairer and better place.
