Monday, August 27, 2012

Blenheim Palace, Stratford Upon Avon

Blenheim Palace is London's answer to Versailles.  It was built between 1705 to 1722.  It was a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill for his military efforts.  It is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill who is a well known former prime minister.  Look how big the front gate is.  The two little girls look so... small.


 We didn't go inside, but the outside was very impressive.  Our adventure here was quite different from Tim, Tanya and the girls. 
 
 
 I thoroughly enjoyed the grounds.  The rain was threatening, but it just made the gardens just that much prettier.





 


 

 





After awhile we caught up with the others.  In the children's area there was this cute miniature village.
We arrived in Stratford Upon Avon in the early evening.
It is a cute little city right on the river Avon.

Lady Macbeth
All the tourist attractions were closed, but we still walked around the town to see the sights.  William Shakespeare was born here.  
Shakespeare's oldest daughter, Susanna and her husband lived in this home. It is call the Hall's Croft.
I thought this was a very pink house.
There are some very old buildings.  It doesn't show here, but some of the buildings were very off balance.  A California earthquake would knock them over quickly.  
After awhile, Wayne and I took off on our own.  Inside the Holy Trinity Church is Shakespeare's grave.  

The sun was just setting.  I thought the lighting made for a nice picture. 
As we continued walking down the river we saw lots of swans and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

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