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Blenheim House,
House, Oxfordshire ;

THE SEAT OF

THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH.

To perpetuate the memory of the military services of the illustrious John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, the royal Manor of Woodstock, with the demesne, comprising the Hundred of Wootton, was granted by Queen Anne to him and his heirs for ever, to be held by grand serjeanty; the terms of which tenure are, that annually, the Duke or his successors in the title, shall present to the Queen, or her heirs, at the castle of Windsor, a standard of France, on August 2d, [now 13th] being the anniversary of the day on which the battle of Hochstet was fought, near the village of Blenheim, on the banks of the Danube, in 1704. This grant was confirmed by act of parliament passed on the 14th March, 1705; and half a million of money was voted by the House of Commons for the completion of the palace, which took place in 1715, one year after the death of the Queen.

The principal front stands north-west, opposite to which is the park, intersected in a direct line by the bridge, and a long avenue terminating at Ditchley Gate: other entrances to the park and grounds, are Wootton Gate, the Triumphal Gate, Hensington gate, Eagle gate, Bladon gate; entrances at Long Acre bridge, and Handborough bridge, Combe Green gate, Combe gate, Stonesfield gate, and Gorrel gate, which occur in a circumference of about thirteen miles. On the south-east are the gardens and pleasure grounds, intersected by the windings of the river Glyme; the gardens on the east, and various plantations on the west side of the river. The park, including the gardens, contains 2,700 acres; a ride of about four miles in circuit is formed within the outer boundary.

The usual approach to this magnificent residence is by the Triumphal gate, at Woodstock, consisting of a spacious centre arch and two posterns, having its entablature supported by double detached columns raised on pedestals, bearing on the exterior a Latin inscription, of which the following, on the opposite side of the gate, within the park, is the translation :-" 'This gate was built the year after the death of the most illustrious "John, Duke of Marlborough, by order of Sarah, his most beloved wife, to whom he left "the sole direction of the many things that remained unfinished of this fabric. The "services of this great man to his country, the pillar will tell you, which the Duchess has "erected for a lasting monument of his glory and her affection towards him, 1723." The scene presented, on entering the park from this gate, is one of striking grandeur. The house is here seen in an oblique point of view, and its architecture is from hence displayed to the greatest advantage :-but our limits restrict us to a mere epitome.

The Grand Front. In the great length of front which is occupied by this triumphal edifice, the architect has judiciously broken the lines by an exuberant variety of design, and, by the frequent introduction of pyramidal attics, has contrived to lighten the general appearance, without detracting from its dignity.

The Garden Front-Presents almost the same superb display of architectural grandeur with the carriage front. It extends 348 feet in five grand divisions; the centre, containing the saloon, is entered by a noble Corinthian Portico, crowned by a pedestal, bearing this inscription, "Europæ hæc vindex genio decora alta Britanno;" above which is now placed a fine colossal bust of Louis XIV., taken from the gates of Tournay, surrounded by appropriate military emblems. Near the eastern angle of the house is a commodious observatory, erected by the late Duke, and furnished with astronomical apparatus by Ramsden. Another corresponding observatory is at the western angle.

The Great Hall-Is entered from the portico on the principal front, and rises to the height of sixty-seven feet, having its lofty ceiling supported by fluted Corinthian columns, between which, smaller columns of the same order support an arched corridor leading to the saloon opposite the entrance. On the key-stone of the arch is the royal arms, with figures of Victory, and palm branches enclosing the crown; and over the doorcase is the bust of John, Duke of Marlborough. The ceiling, representing Victory pointing to the battle of Blenheim, was painted by Sir James Thornhill,

The Bow-window Room.-The ceiling of this room, supported by Corinthian columns, is adorned with military trophies, &c. painted by Hakewill. The tapestry, on the right of entrance, represents the battle of Blenheim, with the taking of Marshal Tallard: on

the left, the tapestry consists of a representation of the battle of Wynendael, in the Austrian Netherlands, fought 27th September, 1708.

The Duke's Study. In this room is a collection of bronzes. Upon the chimney-piece are two antique metal jars; and, under the glass, a pair of globes, by Adams.

The East Drawing Room.-The ceiling, an oval dome, is light and simple; and the chimney-piece composed of rich veined marble, very elegant; the pictures in this room are of the finest description.

The Grand Cabinet-Commands remarkably fine views of the beautiful scenery to the south and east; the ceiling and hangings of this apartment are of the richest character.

The Little Drawing Room.-The hangings of this room are finely relieved by gold mouldings. The chimney-piece is of white marble, with a boldly sculptured head in the centre; on each side are large elegant gilt branches.

The Great Drawing Room.-This apartment is hung with deep crimson cloth. In the centre of the chimney-piece is a fine alto relievo, representing the marriage of Cupid and Psyche, from the antique; Tryphon was the sculptor of the original over it are two bronze statues of Centaurs, and two vases of Derbyshire spar; there are also in the room, small figures of Cupids, and a fine bust of the present Duke of Marlborough.

The Dining Room.-A large and lofty apartment, panelled and painted white: over the chimney-piece is a handsome Time-piece, supported by a bronze elephant.

The Saloon.-Is a most noble room, in form a parallelogram, rising to the whole height of the building, in the same manner as, and communicating with, the Great Hall. Its base is marble; the four door-cases are also of marble, consisting of pilasters, supporting an arch with shell keystones, within which is a smaller door-way, surmounted by the arms of the first Duke of Marlborough. The ceiling is painted with scenic effect, by La Guerre; and the sides are divided into compartments, representing the various nations of the world in their proper costume.

The Green Drawing Room.-Is hung with tapestry representing some of the principal victories of the Duke of Marlborough.

The State Drawing Room.-This is a most elegant apartment; the profusion of gilding, and size of the mirrors, give it an air of great magnificence; the chimney-piece is of white marble, in the centre is a vase, supported by Griffins; the room is hung with tapestry representing the victories of the Hero of Blenheim, in continuation.

The State Bedchamber.-The furniture and hangings of this superb chamber, are blue damask and gold; the bedstead, designed by Sir William Chambers, is composed of burnished gold fluted columns, adorned with military trophies, and supporting a dome which is surmounted by a ducal corenet; at the head are the armorial distinctions of the Duke of Marlborough, richly embroidered.

The Library. This is said to be one of the grandest rooms in Europe. It was intended for a Picture Gallery, and occupies the entire of the S. W. front, 183 feet in length. At the upper end of the Library is a much admired white marble statue of Queen Anne, very highly finished, by Rysbrach, she is represented in her coronation robes, and on the pedestal is this inscription-" To the memory of Queen Anne, under whose auspices, John, Duke of Marlborough, conquered, and to whose munificence he, and his posterity, with gratitude, owe the possession of Blenheim, a. D. 1726.”

The Chapel-Is situated in the south-west wing; the effect of entering this portion of the building is extremely grand; the richly bordered ceiling is supported by Corinthian pilasters. It comprises colossal statues of the first Duke and Duchess, and their two sons, attended by Fame and History.

The Titian Room-Is situated near the Theatre; the collection of pictures by Titian, with which it is adorned, was presented to John, Duke of Marlborough, by Victor Amadeus, King of Sardinia. They are painted on leather, and are of colossal size.

The splendid collection of pictures at this truly magnificent residence were greatly increased some years since, by the addition of many that were removed from Marlborough House, London; and the whole series has been since re-arranged in the most judicious manner, under the direction and elegant taste of the present Duke.

The present nobleman succeeded as fourth Duke, but fifth personage in succession to the honours of Marlborough, and seventh Earl of Sunderland, upon the demise of his father, on the 30th of January, 1817. He had previously, in 1807, obtained a royal license to assume and bear the additional surname and arms of his distinguished predecessor, John, (Churchill,) first Duke of Marlborough.

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Cokethorpe Park, Oxfordshire;

THE SEAT OF

WALTER STRICKLAND, ESQ.

THIS elegant and sweetly sequestered Mansion is situated near the extremity of the parish of Standlake, about three miles from Witney, whose noble sqire appears through an opening between the trees, near the grand entrance, and on the direct road from that town to Abingdon and Oxford, by New Bridge on the Thames.

It was built by Sir Simon Harcourt, Knt. who was Lord Keeper of the Great Seal in 1702, and afterwards ennobled by Queen Anne, by the style and title of Lord Harcourt, of Stanton Harcourt, and appointed Lord High Chancellor in 1712. About this period, the Mansion was erected; and, for beauty and magnitude, was not unworthy of the rank of the possessor. The Queen presented her Chancellor with the handsome carved Oak wainscot for his dining-room, now in high preservation. This apartment is 36 feet by 24; and in it her Majesty is recorded to have dined, after the House was finished.

On the Harcourt family having completed their present splendid mansion at Nuneham, in this county, Cokethorpe Park was sold in 1765, to Maximilian Western, Esq., of Essex, whose second daughter and co-heiress having married Walter Strickland, Esq., of Flamborough, in Yorkshire, and brother of Sir William Strickland, Bart., of Boynton, in the same county; it is now in the possession of that gentleman, on whose family it is entailed.

Mr. Strickland, within the last few years, has expended very considerable sums of money in improving the house and domain, in which he has shewn much taste. The gardens are laid out on an improved principle, and the hothouses well supplied with water raised by an engine. The Park is extremely well wooded, with a sufficient proportion of lawn and pasture grounds; and, though exhibiting none of the bolder features of nature, nor commanding any very extensive views, except in the direction of Oxford, presents a calm and interesting scene, on which the eye reposes with pleasure, and returns to its contemplation with fresh delight.

At a small distance, within the Park, and nearly in front of the Mansion, though in a great measure concealed by planting, stands Hardwick Chapel, in which the family attend divine worship. Beyond this runs the public road, already mentioned; and where it enters and leaves the Park, the present proprietor has erected suitable lodges. On the farther side of this road, whose passengers frequently enliven the scene, and bounded by rising grounds in the distance, is a large extent of fertile meadows, through which the river Windrush meanders, and, about four miles off, falls into the Thames or Isis at New Bridge. This stream, which rises in Gloucestershire, and washes Witney, is supposed to possess some abstersive qualities, which contribute to the whiteness and softness of the texture of the excellent, and, indeed, unrivalled blankets manufactured at that place. It is likewise celebrated for its trout and cray-fish, which are plentiful, and of the finest quality. Mr. Strickland has an extensive fishery here; whilst his woods are well stocked with pheasants, and game of every description abounds on his manors. It should also be observed, that the ferme onée is united with the Park, and renders this residence as desirable as it is complete.

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