Blenheim Palace

The only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace, Blenheim was built in the early eighteenth century for the Duke of Marlborough following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim. The baroque structure by John Vanbrugh stands in a landscape park designed by Capability Brown, whose serpentine lake reflects the bridge and south front. Winston Churchill was born here in 1874, and his birthplace is preserved within the house.