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Blenheim Palace Launches the Search for ‘Britain’s Greatest Untold Story’
Many families and great houses hold secrets and stories that have never been told and the colourful history of Blenheim Palace is no exception. On 4 July 2008 a unique event will take place at Oxfordshire’s most famous landmark, celebrating 300 years of untold stories and the fascinating visitor experience ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’.
This special occasion will encourage visitors to come and tell their own secrets and untold stories and become part of the great history of Blenheim Palace. On 4 July 2008, the public will have 300 minutes from 11am to 4pm, to write their stories in the search for ‘Britain’s greatest untold story’.
In ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’, Grace Ridley, the narrator and the Duchess of Marlborough’s trusted Lady’s Maid, takes visitors on a journey through dramatic events of the last 300 years. Some of the most revealing stories highlighted include the 1st Duchess displaying her powerful influence and difficult personality, the 4th Duke’s extravagant expenditure lavished on Blenheim Palace, and the 8th Duke’s fascination with science and experimentation.
The public’s stories will be written in a special tome available on the day. Those unable to visit the Palace on 4 July can write their untold stories online at a dedicated website, thus ensuring that they too are part of this historic event.
What’s more, one of these amazing stories will later be disclosed to the public when the most intriguing story will be selected by Blenheim Palace as ‘Britain’s greatest untold story’. It will then be put on display in one of the rooms inside the visitor experience.
In addition, for those wanting to keep their story untold, these will be sealed in a time capsule and buried in the Secret Garden in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, to be discovered in years to come.
Andrea Dearden, Blenheim Palace’s Head of Marketing, says: “We have a wonderful visitor experience at Blenheim Palace with 300 years of untold stories waiting to be discovered. Now we want to hear the public’s stories to add to the history of Blenheim Palace. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for everyone to get involved in a shared historical event.”
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Notes to editors:
For more information on the Search for Britain’s Greatest Untold Story Event on 4 July 2008 contact Emma Forbes or Tracey Warmington on 01865 882988 or email or
Blenheim Palace, home to 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, offers a memorable day out. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake. Inside, the scale of the Palace is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room. On the first floor 'Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story' brings to life enticing tales from the last 300 years. Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, the Palace was created a World Heritage site in 1987.
- For more information about this event and to log your own ‘Untold Story’visit www.blenheimpalace.com/untoldstories
- To purchase your ticket in advance visit www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets
- Blenheim Palace and Formal Gardens open until 14th December 2008
- The Park opens at 9am, the Formal Gardens at 10am and the Palace and Pleasure Gardens from 10.30am
- Last admission to the Palace and Gardens is at 4.45pm. The Palace and Pleasure Gardens close at 5.30pm and the Park at 6pm
- Child age 5-16 inclusive. Under 5’s free
- Full details of ticket prices are available on request
For further information about Blenheim Palace please call the 24 hour information line on 08700 60 20 80 or visit the website at www.blenheimpalace.com
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