Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, is due to undergo a £600,000 restoration to its chapel.
The chapel, constructed in the early 18th century and designed by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh, has experienced water damage, a series of leaks harming the paint and plasterwork. The focal point of this chapel, which underwent further modifications in the Victorian era, is a monument designed by Sarah Churchill, 1st Duchess of Marlborough, depicting her late husband, famed military commander and statesman John Churchill. The monument portrays John as a Roman general along with his two sons, this tribute to the first family to reside in the Palace a striking example of English Baroque design.
Blenheim Palace’s website refers to “significant issues” with the chapel stemming from environmental causes. Speaking to the BBC, conservation manager Richard Bowden saw that the chapel’s ‘internal conditions’ were causing structural damage.
Concerns have been raised about the state of Britain’s historic buildings in recent weeks after the manor house which served as the set of BBC’s Poldark was found to be in disrepair. Coronavirus restrictions have placed an added burden on such sites, limiting their income from tourist visits.
Image credit: BjoernEisbaer / Wikimedia Commons
