“Never before in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to...." one man.

Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill  

In May 1940, after the shadow of war had descended across Europe, having been ignored for years about the increasing threat of Hitler, Winston Churchill became British Prime Minister. Driven by an incredible sense of what was right he stood alone but he stood firm and using the power of his words he galvanized a nation, "mobilizing the English language and sending it into battle.” He later commented 'It felt as if I were walking with destiny and that my whole life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial.”

Recently magnificently portrayed by Gary Oldman in ‘Darkest Hour’  (which has already won him a Golden Globe, a B.A.F.T.A and the Oscar nomination) this film leaves one in no doubt as to the accuracy of those words.

The story of this incredible man, arguably the greatest leader of all time, began a few miles from the university spires of Oxford, at Blenheim Palace Woodstock. I have written about and visited the palace often, twice last autumn. It's somewhere I'm always drawn back to, perhaps in large part because Blenheim is one of England's most resplendent stately homes, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1987, but also because of my passionate regard for Sir Winston Churchill.

The History of Blenheim Palace

The estate and title 'Duke of Marlborough' was given to the army General, John Churchill, Winston Churchill's great forebear, in 1705, by Queen Ann in recognition for his great victory at the Battle of Blenheim on August 13 1704. The palace was designed by Vanbrugh and took 17 years to build. John Churchill and his wife Sarah oversaw the project although only Sarah saw its completion.

The front of Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace remains the only property in the United Kingdom which is not a royal residence to be called a palace. This is thought to be because when it was built the locals proudly referred to it as such and the name stuck!

The Rear of Blenheim Palace

The Battle of Blenheim

The Battle of Blenheim led to the end of the War of Spanish Succession. The battle is depicted on a series of beautiful Belgian tapestries which line the walls of the palace.

Winston Churchill and Blenheim Palace

Winston always felt a deep seated connection to Blenheim Palace and his illustrious ancestor John Churchill. As a profuse historical writer Winston once remarked “The longer you look back, the farther you can look forward.” His first book was an epic biography of John Churchill. He went on to produce multi-volume works on the two world wars and then 'The History of the English-Speaking Peoples'. In 1957 he won the Nobel Prize for literature "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values".

Although John Churchill, was the first Duke of Marlborough, Winston was not born to the dukedom, his father Randolph, being the 3rd son to John Spencer Churchill, the 7th Duke of Marlborough. Destiny, however determined that Blenheim should be Winston's birth place when he arrived a few weeks early during a family visit to the palace. Winston was thrilled to have been born at Blenheim.“I am proud to be born at Blenheim ….. this great house is one of the precious links which joins us to our famous past, which is also the history of the English speaking people on whose unity the future of the free world depends.” 

The room at Blenheim Palace where Winston Churchill was born

The 9th Duke of Marlborough and Consuelo Vanderbilt

Winston Churchill’s mother, Jennie Jerome was American and not the only American to marry into the family. Churchill’s cousin, Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, married the beautiful American railway heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt, who at just 17 was coerced against her wishes to marry the 9th Duke.

The marriage was not happy and once 'the heir and spare' had been born it ended in divorce. But the marriages achieved  its objectives, the title’s succession was assured, the Vanderbilt money saved the Palace from near ruin and the Vanderbilts won themselves a much coveted English title.

Despite the divorce, Winston remained close to both Consuelo and his cousin (known as Sunny) who always welcomed warmly Winston to Blenheim. Throughout his life Blenheim remained dear to Winston's heart and it was at Blenheim, in 1917 that he proposed to the love of his life Clementine Hozier, marrying her just a month later in London.

Winston Churchill as a statesman

Like his great ancestor John Churchill, Winston Churchill had an illustrious military career before following his father into politics. And just like John Churchill it was a world crisis that called him to meet his greatest challenge.

As Prime Minister, during the dark days of World War II, Winston Churchill's courage and determination saved the nation he so loved. Refusing to contemplate defeat and to 'never surrender', as a master orator his speeches, broadcast around the world, inspired and strengthened the Allies' will to defeat the common Nazi enemy.

In June 1944 when victory in Europe had been secured, this much deserved poem, on display at Blenheim, was published in the Times, in England.

St Martin's Church, Bladon

The gargantuan, inspiring life of this great man began at Blenheim Palace and it ended on its doorstep. Sir Winston Churchill chose to be buried within the shadows of the palace, in the humble graveyard of St Martin's, Bladon next to the Blenheim Estate.

The grave of Sir Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Churchill should never be forgotten. The Churchill Exhibition at Blenheim Palace pays homage to this great man to whom the free world will remain indebted to for eternity.

Blenheim Palace is open to the public throughout the year hosting numerous events check the website for details.

Within in an hour of London, I highly recommend  a visit and do allow yourself time to spot by in adjacent, picturesque Woodstock, you won't be disappointed!

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As many of you know, when I’m England I love to visit the Cotswolds. It is only about an hour from where I grew up but quite different and distinctive. Charming little towns spreading across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, built mostly from the local, golden Cotswold stone. Each one distinctive in character which for the most part has been carefully preserved. Visiting there this time I was reminded of Provence, honey coloured buildings of varying styles and age necklaced along the narrow streets. Delis and bakeries offering homemade organic and artisan produce peppered with boutiques. Being England there is also a plethora of enticing antiques shops begging to be explored, treasures small enough for me to be tempted by, taking a little part of my home back with me!

Burford

Burford sort of tumbles down a steep hill with a varying assortment of crooked roof tops which seem to melt into each other. It is quite delightful little place with properties such as these which I can instantly imagine wanting to decorate or at least be invited in for tea!

Ancient inns and pubs abound such a perfect setting for the Christmas Season.

Cirencester

Circencester, a short drive away has a rich heritage dating back to the Romans! A prosperous market town whose center is dominated by a grand Cathedral which when we arrived was splendidly lit up as crowds gathered around a Yultide market, clutching hot drinks and listening to Carols as the twinkling display of the town's lights were officially lit.

The following morning the market and sparkle of 'Christmas Present' seem to have evaporated but only on the streets,

for deep within the enfolds of the antique center 'Christmas Past' was beckoning.

The author, Bill Bryson and his wonderful tales of English eccentricity, particularly with regards to names, sprung to mind when I spied these signs, only in England!

'Witches Knickers' actually sold ladies purses and fashion accessories, not a cauldron or broomstick to be found, but its name made us peek!

And on closer inspection this book retailer seemed perfectly normal to me!

Tetbury

Tetbury is probably most famous for its close proximity to Highgrove, the official home of Prince Charles.

Although neither he nor Camilla were to be seen gathering their Christmas shopping there was much to purchase, at 'their shop' which goes to benefit 'The Prince's Trust'.

In the center is a market building very typical of many Cotswolds towns. One can imagine a bygone day where animals were gathered here to be sold and market stalls, selling all types of local produce jostled with each other for custom.

Christmas filled the shop windows,

and the post box caught my eye, so iconicly British, as I thought of all the cards and small packages which would be posted into its small mouth in the coming days.

The distinctive, regional character of the local architecture made me realise why Prince Charles talks so much about preserving it, he actually has a point!

This building, to me, was so quintessentially English and quite appropriately it sold Court regalia, uniforms, tartans and incredible formal attire for occasions which one would think had long since ceased to occur, but clearly do! Who gets to be invited I wonder, not me!

This tattered, battered and clearly much loved rocking horse was amongst the treasures for sale in the antique shop.

Around its neck hung a Christmas card with this message, what a shame it wouldn't fit into my suitcase!!

We sat here for a final tea and cake towards the end of the day

Christmas, my favourite time of year, I felt so happy to have experienced a little of it in England before returning to my home to create my own seasonal magic albeit so far away.

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England is rich in centuries of fascinating history, it still has many picturesque towns throughout the country, built from the local materials available at the time, giving each area its unique ambience. The honey coloured stone of the Cotswolds defines this beautiful part of England; situated only 50 miles north west of London, between Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. Similar to North Yorkshire (which is often referred to as 'The Cotswolds of the north') it never fails to charm and beguile! The small market town of Chippen Campden being one of my favourite spots.

The old market square in Chipping Campden.

Gabled roof tops and windows along the High Street.

An old window above the shops,

and a door way leading into the cheese shop,

full of locally produced Cotswold cheeses!

The courtyard of Layford Barn, just a few miles outside Chipping Campden

Lots to tempt you inside!

The famous Broadway Tower, reminiscent of Rapunzels' tower, aptly situated as it dominates the hillside just outside the 'fairy tale' town of Broadway! An icon of the region, the tower is an old folly, built in 1798 as a local look out tower. Designed by Capability Brown, it has seen many uses over the years, including being a place to track enemy planes during both World Wars and later as a nuclear bunker to report potential nuclear attacks during the 'Cold War'.

Just a few minutes down the hill is delightful Broadway, where we arrived just in time to catch the bus!

Fine English Oaks still dominate Broadway's High Street.

The local 'grocery store', what a fun place to shop!

Last minute purchases before...

climbing the steps home!

and yet still so many more unexplored areas of the Cotswolds to explore, perhaps next time...................

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Every so often you stumble across somewhere special, Daylesford Barns, just south of Stow-on-the-Wold, in England's glorious Cotswold countryside is one such place. What was once a rambling array of farm buildlngs is now the home of the most incredible collection of 'life style heaven', set within the warm, golden Cotswold stone walls under rustic lofted timbers, renovated to perfection! Firstly a Deli full of scrumptious produce from the adjoining organic farm.

Homemade cakes from the bakery

Preserves and sauces to assist in your culinary creativity!

Organic, locally produced cheeses

Free range eggs, freshly collected and boxed from the farm.

Organic milk

and all the ingredients to make fresh bread if the bakery at Daylesford inspires you!

The understated yet elegant home shop sits in the rafters above the Deli

Organic candles to create that soft, glowing, fragrant, evening ambience

and beside the adjoining cafe is a wonderful cookery school!
Across another one of the stunning courtyards....

Is the Flower and Garden shop, selling an abundance of herbs and perennials,

with summertime sprays and planted baskets inside.

There is an entire barn dedicated to clothes you can barely afford but love to browse through............ stylishly understated enticing the plastic from your wallet!


and beyond these gates:

is the Spa, gloriously set up in what was presumably the old hay barn, pure, indulgent bliss!!
You can stay here too in one of the cottages, or amble along to their little sister, the 'Wild Rabbit' in neighboring Kingham, what's not to love!!?

The Wild Rabbit Inn
The Wild Rabbit dining room

Who's coming with me when I return?!

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There is no more beautiful time to be in England than in late May early June when England is at her very 'greenest'! Behind various gate posts, hedges and ancient oak trees there are some gorgeous English properties to be found. Many centuries old and most, lovingly maintained and cherished, they guard the secrets of all who have crossed their threshold and dwelt beneath their roofs and gables.
A Cotswold stone, Queen Anne property in Kingham, just south of Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire.

A different style but still one of the most beautiful of English properties.

The entranceway...............

Just outside of Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, maybe close to the road but I wouldn't say 'no'!!

South west of London in Surrey, another tempting prospect!, one of my favourite types of English properties.

The back of the Surrey cottage where Rosie's Springer Spaniel puppies were born.

The doorway to an enchanting Cotswold Cottage in stunning Broadway, the jewel of the Cotswolds.

and of course how could we miss the 'fairytale', English thatch, a sublime example of traditional English properties this one probably dating back to at least the 16th century.....

Of course not everyone in England lives in such splendour, lucky for those who do!!!

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The rolling, English, Gloucestershire countryside; resplendent in her summer dress of emerald greens and buttercup yellows, delicately patterned with lacy, creamy, cow parsley. Small hamlets cluster together in the folds of the gentle hills as the sheep tend their lambs, dotted all over the landscape like specs of cotton wool. The air is filled with the hum of bees and the chattery tweeting of small birds and pigeons cooing. Everything is fresh and expectant, as you meander along the country lanes, flanked either side by the hedgerows, is there anywhere in the world prettier? I think not, but then I am biased!!

Two Brits in the anoraks with their dog and their picnic which doubtless includes a nice thermos of tea..... such a heart warming British sight. They could have been sitting here for the last fifty years, so unchanged is the view of them, adorable!

This gate is firmly shut but not high enough to stop one from hopping over!

and this one leads into the farmyard.

A peacock proudly struts amongst the humbler chickens, who cluck and fuss as their territory is invaded!

A woodland track leading to who knows where..............perfect!

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The Fuzzy Duck, just a few miles from Stratford-upon Avon and Chipping Campden is the most charming pub, now boasting utterly delightful accommodation (book early as there are only a few rooms and it is deservedly very popular!) and it is where we rested our heads for the night before exploring the beautiful Cotswolds - thank you Mr Sawday, my reliable European travel guide!

When we walked in out of the rain it seemed like a bit of precipitation wasn't a rare event!

'Hunter' wellie boots of all sizes to waddle around the local area!

A cosy bedroom full of everything to pamper, fluffy slippers a decanter of sherry with crystal glasses, Blenheim Palace water, crisps, chocolates and indulgent Baylis and Harding bath products!

Delicious food in the Fuzzy Duck restaurant

When the sunshine blessed us the next morning, I peeked in from an open window,

someone was waiting for breakfast!

There is no question we will return it is just a matter of when !!!!

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Wherever I might be, I like waking up early on a Saturday morning before the rest of the house has stirred, outside still dark and mysterious. I like being able to make a leisurely pot of coffee knowing that there are no deadlines to meet, no urgent time agendas to hurry me along. I like knowing that whilst I am bustling about, my family is still snuggled up, safe within the walls of our home, temporary or otherwise, its strong arms holding us within its protective embrace. I like knowing that a new day looms ahead; like an artist’s blank canvas, for each one of us to create a unique and individual picture

Popfosters Barn in the Cotswolds

As the enticing aroma of fresh coffee fills the air, familiarly comforting gurgles emanating from the machine, I stare out of the window watching the shadowy sky slowly become consumed by a soft pink haze. Outside all is still; the only sound is the faint chattering of small birds. I ponder upon mother birds fluffing up their feathers as they tweet and peck at their small broods, much like I have done in the past with my own children, dragging a comb through a stray lock and straightening an askew school tie as breakfast is greedily consumed. I wonder what that equivalent is to toast and cereal for our little feathered neighbours and as the coffee machine announces its completion with a final resounding burble I smile to myself at my mind’s meanderings.

Turning away from the window the sun begins to appear in a warm, orange glow. I shuffle in slipper-clad feet towards the fridge. In this cosy, rustic barn, straight out of the movie ‘The Holiday’, from where we are exploring the Cotswolds, the said appliance is humming good naturedly from under the counter. Grabbing the milk and a mug I pour my coffee, relishing its fragrant warmth and stare absent-mindedly at the honey coloured stone wall in front of me. I ponder on the day ahead thinking of this sumptuous region I am about to explore, the ancient churches, meandering village streets, stone mullioned windows, thatched roofs..........

Yet even I, proud and reasonably well informed Brit that I am, will be taken by delighted surprise at the charm and unspoiled natural beauty of places like Chipping Campden, Broadway, Snowshill and The Slaughters . Later I will be exclaiming to my rather startled family (although less startled daughter!) in the words of one of the most famous literary men ever, a native of these parts, ‘This Blessed Plot, This Earth, This Realm, This England”- William Shakespeare, Richard II.  

Chipping Campden, in the Cotswolds

Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds

Broadway, in the Cotswolds The Broadway Deli  
Broadway houses at Christmas

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Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, birth place of William Shakespeare (1654-1616). Located on the River Avon, 103 miles west of London, during Shakespeare's time, Stratford-upon-Avon was a busy market town. Today, its market still thrives and despite its streets being full of the predictable collection of shops, found in many modern English towns, Stratford's Tudor heritage is very much in evidence.

Timber framed wattle and daub, sixteenth century architecture, preserved over the centuries, photographed by millions who come to pay tribute to William Shakespeare. You almost have to pinch yourself that what you are looking at is the 'real deal' not a Disney mock up, particularly when you are standing infront of the imposing house on Henley Street, Stratford, where this great writer was actually born.

It is not clear from public records the exact date of Shakespeare's birth but it is thought to have been on April 23, 1564.

William was the third child of John Shakespeare, a leather merchant, and Mary Arden, a local landed heiress, they had two older daughters and three younger sons.

It is believed Shakespeare attended King's New School, in Stratford.

On November 28, 1582 at the relatively young age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, 8 years his senior. They had 3 children, two daughters and a son, one of a twin, who sadly died at age 11. By 1597, William Shakespeare had published 15 of his 37 plays. At this time he purchased the second largest house in Stratford, 'New House', for his family. Shakespeare himself spent most of his time in London writing and acting. Due to the difficult four-day ride by horse from Stratford to London, it is believed that he only lived with his family in Stratford during the 40-day Lent period, when the theaters were closed.

By 1599, William Shakespeare and his business partners had built their own theater on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. The world renowned Globe Theatre, a rebuilt version of which remains on the site today.
The great works of Shakespeare were not without controversy, both during his lifetime and subsequently. However they also earned Shakespeare great respect and adulation. The impact his writing has made over the centuries all over the the world in literature, culture, art, theatre, and film is probably greater than any other writer. Shakespeare is to this day is generally considered to be one of the best English language writers of all time.

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A winter’s day at Blenheim Palace, under a clear and crisp December sky. The palace, dressed for the season showing off all its magnificence and its Christmas splendor. Grand Christmas trees at both the entry and in the main hallway.

Blenheim Palace is a stately home, visited by Kings, Queens and royalty over the centuries, provides a fitting backdrop for the majesty of the 3 Kings. Throughout the grand rooms, rich silks, decorations and treasures, tell the story of the 3 Magi. One of England's most stunning palaces, built for The Duke of Marlborough, Sir John Churchill. Blenheim Palace is also famous for being the birth place of one of Britain's greatest leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.

School children singing carols under yet another glorious tree, their sweet, innocent voices soaring high into the vaulted ceiling of Blenheim Palace's stunningly beautiful ballroom.

A captivated audience, doubtless remembering Christmases gone by where other young children sang the same beautiful verses  telling the Christmas story. We left Blenheim Palace with hearts warmed, reminding us of the true meaning of this time of year.

The last remnants of daylight by the Christmas tree sellers, fresh pine fragrance gently perfuming the air. Christmas is just around the corner......

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