Blenheim Palace is launching a series of podcasts on Spotify.

With topics ranging from hidden rooms inside Blenheim's iconic grand bridge and the Palace's starring roles in a series of blockbuster movies to fashion and Winston Churchill, the 20-part series provides a fascinating insight into the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hosted by Blenheim's social historian Antonia Keaney, the series also features interviews with comedian and TV presenter Sue Perkins, writer and broadcaster Hugo Vickers and author Josh Ireland.

As well as the stories about the Palace's rich heritage and cast of famous historical characters, Antonia also talks to current members of the team including Blenheim archivist Alexa Frost, Head of Operations Heather Carter, who describes the challenges and rewards of running a great estate, and award-winning travel photographer Pete Seaward.

“We began providing online talks and virtual tours during lockdown as a way for us to stay in touch with people who couldn't visit in person,” said Antonia.

“I was surprised and delighted with the positive feedback and so we decided to expand our offering and produce a series of podcasts.

“It has been lovely for me to be able to talk to such a diverse group of fascinating people who each have their own unique connection to Blenheim and I hope others will enjoy the fascinating insights and stories their interviews reveal,” she added.

The series also features British journalist and politician Rachel Trethewey talking about her books on the children of Winston Churchill, Blenheim's most famous son, an interview with historic textiles conservator Emma Telford on her work with the Palace's priceless 300-year-old tapestries and an insight into what life was really like 'below stairs' at a great estate.

• All the podcasts are available to download on Spotify.

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Ellen Gray at EGray@blenheimpalace.com or Ollie Young at ollie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk .

NOTE TO EDITORS: Link to the podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/18RwCp7lJVGaweiLYbG8m8?si=MyfJHiBaRpi851HNe9gUuA

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Set in over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough's triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.

Today it houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries.

Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of one of Britain's most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock as the 'finest view in England'.