Phil Spencer's Stately Homes (2016)

Episode Overview

Phil visits the stunning Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, diving into the history of its impressive creators, John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, and his wife, Sarah. His guide, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, shares that the palace was a gift from their friend Queen Anne, commemorating the Duke's triumph over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. However, while sifting through the archives, Phil uncovers a host of challenges during its construction, including disputes with the architect, unpaid laborers, and skyrocketing expenses. He calculates that, adjusted for inflation, Blenheim is the priciest house he’s ever encountered.