Saturday, October 4 – Heading to Oxford

After a great day in Bath, we headed toward Oxford. On Amir’s advice, we took a more scenic route from Bath to Oxford. That gave us a chance to see the beautiful countryside of rural England.

It didn’t take long before we noticed a picturesque field that we thought would be good for a couple shots. We decided to pull over at what looked like a farm lane. As Amir turned into the farm lane, the road disappeared from under us and Amir says, “Oh Shit!” Next thing we saw was hedges on both sides of a very narrow, steep, one-way farm lane. All I could think of is whether we missed the no trespassing sign at the top of the hill. Fortunately, about half way down the hill, Amir found a path he was able to squeeze the car into so we could get out and take a few shots.

(BTW: If you have a high res screen, try viewing this full screen before you click on these images to maximize the viewing area of these pics.)

As the sun began to set, we turned into this postcard town. Actually, it wasn’t a town but more like a turn in the road where we saw the Swan Hotel in Bibury Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The low light was perfect for a few evening shots and a pint at the Inn. After capturing these shots, we grabbed a quick pint and then headed up to Oxford.

The Swan Hotel: Bibury Cirencester, Gloucestershire UK. Beautful colors, right?

In front of the Swan Hotel, there is small stream called the River Coln babbling along this brick wall and then travels under the road that turns right just in front of the inn. Postcard!

I tried to use a long exposure to see if could get a motion effect in the water as the sun dropped below the trees.

Sunday, October 5 – Blenheim Palace

The first place you have to visit when you near Oxford is Blenheim Palace, the childhood home and birthplace of Winston Churchill. Blenheim Palace was built in the early 18th Century to celebrate the victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession. In particular, it was built as a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, the military commander who led the Allied forces in the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. It was Marlborough who personally received the surrender from Marshall Tallard, leader of the French forces, following the battle. Winston Churchill was a direct decedent of the Duke.

Blenheim Palace entrance: Home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a true masterpiece of 18th Century Baroque architecture.

The Courtyard entrance of the main palace. In the hierarchy of royalty, a Duke is the highest level of aristocracy next to the King and Queen – quite a high level. Who else thought Churchill was a commoner that rose in the ranks of leadership?

Winston Churchill’s actual birth place. Sorry for the crazy handcuffs. They were part of an exhibition that distracted from the historical value of the palace.

Who knew that Winston Churchill was a greeting card author. He sold his artwork to Hallmark Cards. This exhibition shows a set of his works.

The Duke and Dutchess of Marlborough usually have dinner here once a year for Christmas. I told Amir how much this looked like our Christmas table. Ha!

The Gardens at Blenheim Palaca are extraordinary. But I think our fountain is better. 🙂