Woodstock

Welcome To The Town Of Woodstock

If anyone mentions Woodstock, the majority of people will automatically think of the festival held in America that became particularly popular in the 1960s, but it may come as a shock to learn that was not the original Woodstock. In fact, the original Woodstock could not be further away from the American version if it tried. It is actually a small and sleepy town in Oxfordshire that is home to hundreds of years worth of fascinating and engaging history that captivates everyone that takes the time to visit.

Woodstock is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site these days for a number of reasons, all of which are enough to encourage visitors on their own merit, but put together they add up to an extremely powerful recipe for relations, fun and a little historical knowledge!

Firstly, its history can be traced back to 890 in terms of its jaw dropping historical presence. King Alfred The Great was rumoured to have stayed in Woodstock and it was also mentioned in the Doomsday book. Many other members of royalty have stayed there, including Henry I and Henry II, who gave the town a Royal Charter in 1179.

Today, it is the location of the magnificent Blenheim Palace. This is often thought of as a royal palace but that is actually not the case. The Duke of Marlborough actually lives there and has done since the palace was first built. It is an amazing sight against the rural backdrop of the town in all of its splendour. The grounds seem to stretch for miles and are great for long nature walks. The palace itself is also well worth a visit for the artwork and exhibitions that are on display, including one about the most famous member of the family to have lived there – Winston Churchill.

As a result, Woodstock is also well known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill in 1874. However, he is not the only well known historical figure to have stayed in the town. Queen Elizabeth I also stayed here, although it was not by her own personal choice! She was imprisoned there as a young princess by her sister, Queen Mary I, and her very presence is still celebrated. All of this history makes the town well worth a visit, and if that does not then the beauty of the surrounding countryside most certainly will!