Blenheim Palace Commemorates the 60th Annniversary of Sir Winston Churchill's Death

Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, is commemorating 60 years since the passing of one of Britain’s most celebrated leaders. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim in 1874, and remained connected to the Palace throughout his life, including proposing to his future wife Clementine Hozier at the location and also being buried nearby in Bladon in January 1965.
On 24th January 1965, Sir Winston passed away exactly 70 years after the death of his father, Lord Randolph Spencer-Churchill. Winston Churchill helped to plan his State Funeral - ‘Operation Hope Not’ - in meticulous detail The ceremony which took place on 30th January, was the largest national occasion since the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
This year, Blenheim Palace is honouring Churchill’s legacy by reflecting on the historic State Funeral which was attended by the 10th Duke of Marlborough, alongside his family. In his memoirs he wrote, “It was an unforgettable spectacle, with the Royal family and members of the cabinet sitting in the front seats in St. Paul’s Cathedral. As the choir sang the American battle hymn, tears sprang to people’s eyes. Then the last journey down the Thames, flags at half mast, the wharf cranes dipped; the scene at Waterloo station and the train journey to Hanborough station, its sheds draped and swathed in mourning and enriched with flowers."

The 10th Duke of Marlborough leads his family to Sir Winston Churchill’s graveside. Pictured with the Duke are his 3 daughters and his heir, Lord Blandford, later the 11th Duke. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace.
Antonia Keaney, Social Historian at Blenheim Palace, said, "Sir Winston Churchill’s connection to Blenheim Palace is deeply personal. From his birth in the Palace to the quiet moments he spent painting in the gardens, Churchill’s spirit is woven into the fabric of this place. As we mark 60 years since his death, we honour not only his extraordinary achievements but also the connection he felt to his ancestral home."
Blenheim Palace will be publishing a new podcast featuring Lady Rosemary, the daughter of the 10th Duke of Marlborough and a cousin to Winston Churchill. In the episode she talks about her memories of ‘Uncle Winston’ as she was also present at the funeral.
As part of the commemorations, visitors are invited to explore Blenheim Palace’s permanent Churchill Exhibition, which delves into his extraordinary life. From photographs, letters, and personal items, including his famous maroon siren suit, the exhibition offers an immersive journey into the life of the man hailed as Britain’s ‘Greatest Briton.’
Blenheim Palace also recently unveiled a unique bronze statue created by acclaimed sculptor Paul Rafferty to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Churchill. The life-size bronze sculpture titled Winston Churchill Painting is on display at Blenheim Palace and will be a permanent feature in the gardens located on the South Lawn facing the Palace.
To find out more about The Churchill Exhibition, visit https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/churchill-exhibition/
For more information about Blenheim Palace, visit www.blenheimpalace.com
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