‘Ladies of Blenheim – Lust and Laudanum’ with Antonia Keaney

Blenheim Palace, home to the Dukes of Marlborough, is one of the UK’s most impressive stately homes. This talk provides an entertaining look at the lives and loves of the ladies of the Marlborough family – usually overlooked in favour of the men. Beginning with Sarah Churchill, the indomitable First Duchess, and continuing through the centuries with the adventures of some of her successors, this talk redresses the balance as it looks at the achievements of some of the women and discusses the thwarted talents and potential of other members of the Marlborough family.

Antonia Keaney first joined Blenheim Palace in 2008 as a member of the Education Team, later becoming the Palace’s Social Historian and Researcher. Both roles have involved her curating a number of exhibitions at Blenheim. She is the author of Percy at the Palace – A Dog’s Eye View of Blenheim, and A Passion for Fashion – 300 Years of Blenheim Style. She has made various TV appearances, including BBC’s Country File, Channel 4’s Phil Spencer’s Stately Homes, and most recently on Channel 5’s The Cotswolds with Pam Ayres. Tickets: £8 (to include tea and cake).