Home1823 Edition

WOODSTOCK

Volume 20 · 196 words · 1823 Edition

a town of Oxfordshire, in England, pleasantly seated on a rising ground, and on a rivulet; a well compacted borough-town, and sends two members to parliament; but is chiefly noted for Blenheim-house, a fine palace, built in memory of the victory obtained by the duke of Marlborough over the French and Bavarians in August 1704. It was erected at the public expense, and is one of the noblest seats in Europe. One of the passages to it is over a bridge with one arch, 190 feet in diameter, resembling the Rialto at Venice. The gardens take up 100 acres of ground; and the offices, which are very grand, have room enough to accommodate 300 people. The apartments of the palace are magnificently furnished; and the staircases, statues, paintings, and tapestry, surprisingly fine. The town is about half a mile from the palace, having several good inns; and a manufacture of steel chains for watches, and excellent gloves. A steel chain has been made at this place which sold for £170.—The population in 1811 was 1,419 persons. It is eight miles north of Oxford, and 60 west-north-west of London. W. Long. 1. 30. N. Lat. 51. 52.