Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 edition. Excerpt: ... The general appearance of the Palace is grand and imposing. Within, it consists of a great number of handsome and spacious apartments, rich in decorations and elegantly furnished, containing inestimable treasures of Art and Literature. It abounds in Paintings, of singular excellence, by first-rate masters of nearly all the most celebrated schools of Antiquity; and several works of superior merit, the fruit of more modern genius and talent, are to be found within its walls. The sur.r rounding scenery is of varied and charming, character, consisting of wood and water, hill and vale, and in fact combining in itself, nearly every essential element of a magnificent and pleasing landscape. To direct attention to the principal objects of interest is all this Guide pretends to; the Visitor of taste will discover much that is worthy of being noticed and remembered, which must necessarily be omitted in a work of this nature, and of which, indeed, no mere verbal description could convey a perfectly correct or adequate idea. Large sums have been from time to time expended in repairing the Palace, and improving the grounds adjoining, by the several noble proprietors of Blenheim. His Grace, the late Duke manifested his regard for this seat of his ancestors, not merely in the restoration of what the ravages of time had injured, but in many judicious alterations and valuable additions, at an expenditure 6f 80,000. The Palace indeed is more indebted to the Marlborough family, than is generally supposed. According to the notion popularly entertained, it was erected at the charge of the British nation; and with the concurrence of Parliament, was bestowed, together with the Manor of Woodstock, upon John, Duke of Marlborough by his royal mistress Queen..."