How Consuelo VANDERBILT, the American Heiress, SAVED Blenheim Palace

[@AmericanViscountess]

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[@monicatindercosmos]

Without the women of the Gilded Age, who brought with them enormous wealth, many of the historical homes dotting the English countryside would be in ruin today.

[@jodibianco3782]

❤

[@rachealtackett940]

Exactly. Many literally saved the English aristocracy from total ruin.

[@oliviaferia632]

Money that came through the explotation and mísery of thousands of people . These poor girls were just a vehicle.

[@mrskenscott9643]

We dont hear enough about poor Consuelo. Thank you Julie. Love to you from New Hampshire USA.

[@notnek202]

Poor Consuelo? She was one of the most privileged women in history she never had to work a day in her life. She never had a want for anything. Just because she had a unhappy marriage we should feel sorry for her? Ridiculous !!!

[@winninginlife]

@@notnek202 It appears her 2nd husband actually loved her. She was born into wealth and not her fault but her 1st husband's mistress who was Consuelo's friend died in an insane asylum. I guess that was her karma & his karma for using Consuelo for money to restore a house because he was broke lol & smh

[@jennsadventures84]

Vanderbilt and Spencer-Churchill ancestry is quite a story to be told. Thank you for a look inside.

[@terryheatwole6153]

Lady Henrietta was ever so kind to show the family quarters. The Veruda portrait is amazing, hinting of impressionist influence; a treasure. Thank you.

[@kristenjmaddux]

THIS IS THE JULIE TOUR I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! 🎉 I’m fascinated by the Gilded Age and can you believe when I watched another documentary on Blenheim, they didn’t even mention Consuelo? As an American, that’s the main point lol!! Thank you, Julie, for such a stunning episode of a jaw-dropping home and heart wrenching story. No one could have done it better. ❤

[@codymadsen8710]

Maybe Julian Fellows next project could be a show about Consuelo Vanderbilt???😮😮 Or even Alberta🎉🎉🎉🎉 I love these videos where Julie goes and visit these houses (including Hinchingbrooke and Mapperton) Here in America we can see these places and see/appreciate the effort it takes to preserve these places of history and hopefully travel to see them someday!!!!! Thank you Julie!!!!!❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@lisaking7379]

I believe that The Golden age is exactly that and Gladys is Consuela

[@lisaking7379]

Sorry- The Gilded Age- HBO

[@lisalking2476]

@@lisaking7379 thank you 😊

[@Dexdog]

@@lisaking7379Ha, I just said that. Bertha is Alva and Consuelo is Gladys.

[@marlanechernoff3111]

Excellent idea.

[@frommybenchpin5717]

Consuelo Vanderbilt was forced into a loveless marriage, what she did was amazing but at the expense of her happiness I believe.

[@ryanm7171]

They were both forced into loveless marriages for their families.

[@lisalking2476]

All for $$$ they had to save the castle 🏰

[@CarolSilliman]

I disagree. Having read her autobiography, I find her a facinating person who accepted her destiny as a young woman and made the best of it. I think she lived a full, happy and rewarding life.

[@CarolSilliman]

Don't mistake youthful acquience to a mother's plan... to selling out her family fortune in order to prop up British aristocratic ideals. She was a strong, savy person worthy of femi ist respect!!

[@maryhardy6468]

@@CarolSillimanafter the divorce

[@janetdoten4489]

Yes, thankful for Julie sharing these historic women and their families so much history to learn about

[@cathielem2023]

When I was at Blenheim last year, I actually captured a ghost in a photo. The palace is incredible, the video doesn’t give you the splendid emotional feeling you get when you go thru this marvellous historical piece of art.❤

[@deb7518]

So wish you had posted the ghost photo! I'm a little fascinated by distinct orbs, etc. in photos of historical places.

[@youtuberll]

My sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel boy is of most beautiful Blenheim variety (chestnut markings and pearl white) named after this magnificent Palace in honor of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, who bred them for hunting and keeping the children warm 🧡🤍 It’s wonderful to see them in the Singer Sargent and Reynolds painting having on the Castle walls. I love your videos.. please keep going!

[@youtuberll]

paintings hanging*

[@rh8152]

I have been fascinated with Consuelo for years, so I absolutely loved this episode. Great job!

[@bethbartlett5692]

Consuela had fallen in love before meeting the Duke, and (the Duke never loved her nor really gave her the respect she deserved for going through with the arrangement. Because she was so truly in love with another, it broke her heart to have to marry the Duke, as anyone can imagine. Consuela spent her life, from birth until marriage "satisfying her Mother". As a Sociologist/Behavioralist I can clearly see that it was her Mother's Insecurities that were being satisfied, her feeling a lack of worthiness. Because they circumvent Consuela's greater and deeper experiences, her feelings, and what she had to set aside of her own desires (that she deserved to have had) and enter into a marriage that satisfied her Mother and the Duke's and his family's needs, doing so with such Grace, then One can begin to comprehend her inner strength, Higher Mind, fortitude, and what a truly amazing woman she had to be. I can't make this statement well enough to do her justice. What a woman and a lady.

[@lisaharrington6488]

What a wonderful story! Thank you Julie and Lady Henrietta for sharing it with all of us. 😊❤

[@dhowe5180]

I visited Blenheim last year. Spectacular especially the entrance hall. Fun fact about Consuelo and Blenheim: the house has a massive silver centerpiece for the dining room table and Consuelo would have it placed between her and her husband, the 9th Duke, so she wouldn’t have to look at him during dinners. If in vitro fertilization or surrogate pregnancy had existed back then I’m sure that’s how the 10th Duke would have got started.

[@davidranasinghe8093]

Because of consuelo's fortune,blenheim palace still in good condition ❤❤

[@notnek202]

The Duke’s first cousin the 8th Duke of Roxburghe also married an American heiress Mary Goelet in 1903. And they had a very happy marriage.

[@JosieRauss]

I just finished reading The Transatlantic Marriage Bureau, (which had a particular focus on the fate of Consuelo being forced to marry Marlborough), so it was interesting to come across this video and see Blenheim today. I've followed the Mapperton videos for a while; as someone who loves genealogy, history and old homes, it's so gratifying to watch you dive into the rich stories and artifacts in these homes. It seems like a dream, but I know it's a lot of work. Thanks for sharing with us. Perked up to hear you're from a town outside of Chicago-hello from Oak Park!

[@LSTEdD1]

Can’t wait to watch! I gave tours of Consuelo Vanderbilt’s family Summer home Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island 2000 to 2003. ☀️

[@angied7857]

I visited the Marble House in Rhode Island along with the Breakers and others. Beautiful.

[@magyar5615]

Again another American Heiress who gave everything to save the home of a family who needed help from someone with money and of course the great can-do attitude Americans have. The British certainly tried but could not save so many homes, their efforts, of course, should be acknowledged and honored, however, without the women of the United States, who married into and financially saved the homes and gave and are giving so much more, well they can never be thanked enough. Wonderful historical video, many thanks!!!

[@Unsweetened8618]

And a lot of Brits hate Americans. So what these women did was a waste

[@ChristineC-nk5fd]

Another amazing adventure with Julie visiting one of England’s historic houses. Her episodes are wonderful. Thank you Julie and thank you to all the owners who are doing their best to preserve these beautiful homes.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you sooo much! xx Julie

[@kcstill3108]

Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!! I visited Blenheim Palace and was completely overwhelmed. The amount of history and the gardens, etc. Now that you have opened my eyes to the more personal stories of Alberta and Consuelo I want to know so much more about their lives and history. Thank you so much!!

[@docgregg2]

I loved this tour and commentary so much, Julie! I believe it may be my favorite one. I enjoyed every detail and all of the beautiful portraits. My, oh my, they are so lucky to still have these gorgeous portraits with so much history behind them. McEvoy is one of my favorite artists. He does beautiful work. Thank you for the wonderful tour. ❤

[@Adri-oj3yt]

She was beautiful. And what a beautiful, stunning palace too❤.

[@julietrask7497]

I can never see enough of these stately homes and their history. Outstanding video Julie!

[@paean109]

This was fascinating to watch and learn of this family. What a stunning Palace.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I have always been surprised by how many of these rich people bankrupted themselves by building vast mansions. None of the NYC guilded aged homes survived. Their over extended heirs had to sell them for the land.

[@cke5791]

In UK, public funds built these mansions before 1918. Afterwards, it was American heirs that built on top that.

[@azrealla3160]

Watching this from Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand, I feel so sad for Consuelo.

[@1stAmbientGrl]

Has there ever been a movie made about Consuela? I think her life sounds dramatic enough for one and I would be interested in it.

[@AmeliaEarharrt]

if you have seen the gilded age on hbo/max the Russell family is inspired by the vanderbilt family. and in season 2 they introduse The duke

[@Stoicgenuis]

No it's boring and uninteresting

[@CALLMESIR...]

​@Stoicgenuis Boring and uninteresting? Lol. You're just not interested in the subject matter which is ok but it's a fantastic show so far.

[@Akenaten1]

She actually wrote her autobiography it’s called “The Glitter and the Gold” by Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan You’ll love it!

[@MeMe-nw9mq]

Julie, it is such a joy to watch you touring these wonderful historic houses and practically feel the joy, excitement and sheer astonishment oozing out of your pores. We LOVE that you love sharing these tours with us because for many of us, this is the closest we will ever get to seeing these grand homes for ourselves. Thank you for taking the time and putting forth the effort of being “a fan girl” for those of us who are just as passionate, excited, thrilled to see these awe inspiring houses and the people that have had the good fortune to have lived there.

[@Robin-g7q5d]

Quite a few years ago I read “The Glitter and the Gold” by Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan. Her legendary posture was attributed to a device her mother had built that she was strapped into, daily, with a steel Rod the length of her spine and up to the top of her head. I kept thinking, “That poor little girl!”. Then, there was the forced marriage. She seemed to find happiness with Jacques Belsen’ though. I can’t wait to see the rest of your visit, Julie.

[@lisalking2476]

I'd like to learn more about the happiness Consuelo and Mr.Balsan shared, there relationship,there lives and children's lives 😊 I'm fascinated with this beautiful woman ❤

[@Robin-g7q5d]

The book is not too thick but was written by Consuelo while she was married to Jacques Belsan. It’s a good read, I’d suggest you read it if you can.

[@lisalking2476]

@@Robin-g7q5d I will try to find it Thank you for letting me know 😊

[@louisebrislane6607]

This video took me back in time as I was privileged to visit it in September 1987 & the beauty of it blew me away!! It is a magnificent castle & certainly owes a lot to its American connections. Seeing it & Windsor Castle were the highlights of my trip.

[@simonwatson4153]

Blenheim is a palace NOT a castle.

[@tracy5721]

@@simonwatson4153🙄So? Everyone knows what the person meant.

[@AlexS-oj8qf]

Looking at Blenheim, I can understand how Consuelo disliked it so much. It's more of a Monument rather than a House. Imagine if people furnish The Parthenon and called it home. Considering the houses she grew up with, Blenheim is practically medieval. Also I notice that Julie tend to "romanticize" Consuelo's story. She's forced into the marriage and her husband used the money to restore this Tomb of Churchill Dynasty without even consulting her. It's unfortunate that she tried to make as if Consuelo willingly use her money to restore the house, when in reality she probably would rather to keep it and lived back home in America.

[@anglonig1]

Makes a change for a man to use a womans money.

[@patriciabaughn4749]

Loved the tour Julie .Lady Henrietta seems to be friendly and interesting. I read about Consuela and yes , she did so much for Blenheim. Thank you Julie for a Great tour

[@deirdrecerasa3932]

Every painting is stunning. Some of the,letters are lovely and some so very sad. Love learning more about the history! ❤

[@jonimarchese7655]

OMG, Julie, I don't know what to say, the paintings and the photo of her, she looks so sad. What a beautiful woman she was. Her place in history will live on. Thank you for bringing her legacy to life. Love from N.Y.

[@donnadesanctis6724]

We have a summer house in Newport RI I've spent so much time touring the Breaker's and Marble house I feel like I know her ty so much for this Julie absolutely loving this 💗

[@pamelahelengunchick654]

She is Consuelos Great Grand Daughter...yet... you can see the STRONG resemblance

[@martharose2318]

One of your best efforts to date! Thanks for letting us experience it. I’ve always been interested in British history, from watching the First Churchills on PBS decades ago with my father. You are living my dream! ❤

[@rolandsingh]

Thank you Immensely, Viscountess, for this Video. I was most fortunate to visit Blenheim Palace in October of 2019, more so, because my Hero, The Last Lion, was born there. I am henceforth, 'Subscribed'. ❤❤ 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 Roland Singh, Canada 🇨🇦

[@LynnBFoster]

Julie you should come to Asheville NC and film at Biltmore

[@oceanminded2009]

I think I must visit this in my lifetime. The palaces I have visited were so cold. This one is full of family history and looks really warm. Love to see the family portraits.

[@dragonflyhill5748]

Her great granddaughter resembles her great grandmother In elegance

[@Geblues10]

Oh I loved this. I have just been watching the 1995 series The Buccaneers and have been following Julie with her Tuscan house. What amazing history and thank goodness this amazing palace was injected with much needed cash, but poor Consuelo, it must have been tough.

[@anastasiafuad1773]

What I find so fascinating is the two different perspectives given on a very young Consuelo.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

I really enjoyed this episode. Consuelo Vanderbilt was fascinating. It’s difficult for me to choose a favorite portrait of her. But the ones by Sargent are among my favorites. Thanks for a wonderful episode!

[@Bmwdressage]

I would LOVE if you could take this channel to Newport RI. Especially Mable house 😍😍

[@williamevans9426]

I'm fortunate in living only about eight miles from Blenheim Palace and often visit to walk through the park. The Palace and grounds at Christmas are especially magnificent. I love the McEvoy portrait of Consuelo, particularly his inclusion of the shadow of her head, neck and shoulders. I wonder whether he sensed her underlying unhappiness and tried to hint at it through the shadow? (Or perhaps I'm just being too romantic?)

[@jaynedion5200]

Thank you so much for sharing this story. Consuelo lived an extraordinary life. I highly recommend her book, "The Glitter and the Gold" about her life story. She reveals so much of the societal control, wealth and privilege to escaping the nazis. As a fellow American I have been able to tour some Vanderbuilt estates and mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery in NY. The row of magnificent mausoleums in this cemetery is incredible, complete with Tiffany stained glass windows - naturally. Thanks again Julie, Bravo! ❤❤❤

[@rhyspiecesplays1522]

Talking of paintings I have found a painting of the fourth earl of sandwich attributed to George Knapton in his younger years in a Sotheby’s auction house. please reply and I will send the link

[@LSTEdD1]

Such a beautiful, beautiful episode...☀️

[@hollyvanvuren5779]

An excellent book to read is “All that glitters is not gold”.. by Consuelo Vanderbilt… absolutely excellent where I’m sure a lot of the anecdotal stories that they are discussing comes from

[@Susan.I]

Having grown up in Upstate New York I knew quite a bit about the Vanderbilt family in that my mother took my sister and I to see historical homes and museums! But , I did not remember Consuelo Vanderbilt or her sad story. Thank you for furthering my education!

[@alexandrabeicht4512]

Thank you, Julie! It is a real pleasure to dive into the history of these remarkable places and their extraordinary women!❤

[@Junoleda]

John 1st Duke of Marlborough’s daughter Lady Mary Churchill married Ralph Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu, 3rd cousin to the 3rd Earl of Sandwich.

[@tzok09]

I love this. I always want to see the private apartments, because it tells you more of the actual family. The entire place is just fabulous!

[@patriciafoley1494]

That was so great!!! Loved every minute!!

[@willhan3195]

Julie! That was a stunning video ....WOW!! I made dinner and made Tikka Masala (Never made it at home before) ....it came out very well! Sitting at my coffee table...like most every night...Then I saw your new video about Blenheim .... Click!.... I forgot this info ..... in 2005 we stayed at Thomond House a guest house at Dromoland in Ireland .... I later read that (Conor O'Brien ... Lord Inchiquin ) who died last year.... had an Aunt .... That Aunt had a first Cousin.... That Cousin was Sir Winston Churchill! The O'Brien's Aunt's mother and Father were Viscount and Lady Chelmsford Viceroy of India 1916-1921! ... Now I have to do research about the Origins of Tikka Masala. The video was exceptional!

[@andreaf7886]

A beautiful palace to visit. We're so glad we were able to visit both the palace and gardens.

[@Jasmine34952]

Thank you so much for the 2 videos you did on Blenheim. It was the highlight of my vacation in 1984. I loved it then and I still love it today. ❤

[@axelwilde1081]

Absolutley adored this tour and facinating insight into Blenheim Palace and Consuelo Vanderbilt as only Julie could. Can't wait to learn and watch more. Just bought the Glitter and the Gold and cannot wait to read it.

[@caropapa]

This is so very interesting to listen too, and it was lovely hearing Rhode Island mentioned

[@funnanny1979]

I absolutely despise when people say they were BOTH forced into the marriage. Not realizing the HE got to keep his hobbies, his mistresses and gain a financial fortune. All whilst it was her responsibility to produce a male heir.....unbeknownst to everyone back then that its the male who's chromosomes decides gender.

[@stephenkropf2087]

Another amazing video. Thank you for making these

[@allihutt]

Oh how amazing!!!! That is such an incredible episode. It ended with that amazing visitor's book and I thought how incredible it would be to transcribe such a beautiful thing...and then I thought how even more amazing it would be to transcribe other visitors' books from other castles and stately homes and then do the "contact tracing" or social network analysis. That would be incredible!!

[@rhondamartin3575]

Stunning and wonderful history! Terrific video Julie!!! How overwhelmed she must have been when she first saw this incredible palace!!!! 🎉❤ Overwhelmed at leaving her country! I feel so sad for her that she didn't want to marry! I would loved to have met her! She was my 8th cousin! She was so beautiful!

[@1212aoa]

Wow! An amazing family but such a sad story when you read about them.

[@cathleenlagarce368]

You are a treasure. You love England and history and you have great respect for them and your title. Keep up with the great work.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much 😀

[@laurenlovein562]

You are doing such a wonderful job sharing all this history!

[@davidtoppin1998]

A very good and educational program. Please do something on these families' jewels and toy collections.

[@caryburns5509]

I shared this on my fb page Totally addicted to Julie and Luke's programs

[@mamiefish4047]

As a native of Mobile, Alabama, Alva's birthplace, we are quite proud of her. She has 3 siblings buried in Mobile who succumbed to a Yellow Fever epidemic.

[@madammim694]

I would love to see a movie of Consuela's life

[@shilohsheridan5347]

I am addicted !!!! Thank you for making these episodes!!! 🇨🇦

[@johnred6181]

Wow your so fortunate to be able to see and hear about the past of the beautiful history of these magnificent places I’m in california city of corona. I’ve always been fanicated by beatutiful architeure and beautiful furnishing to imagine how wealthy people lived in time long ago i know seeing these place in images and in video is no comparison to acually seeing it in person to touch the buildings and walk in he actual space and to imagine its just amazing. There are so many. Beautiful palaces all over each one very unique in its own way that we won’t be able to see them all in our life time. Its a beautiful video you presented i could only dream to one day visit some if the history back east especially marble house and the mansions form the gilded age that’s amazing how the familia history is all connected in some way? Thank you if you ever see this message ❤this so much!

[@MrNeilTV]

We need to get this show on a streaming platform you and your editors are fantastic

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you!!!

[@KymTugwell]

Hello thank you for the interesting behind the scenes tour. I appreciate your interviews and your enthusiasm.

[@csm92459]

I was lucky enough to see the Sargeant portrait in an exhibit at the Smithsonian. Stunning.

[@annekenniston7551]

This channel is so well done. Bravo.

[@MissKizzy1207]

I really enjoyed this episode ❤ and i love the way you present and the subject matters you explore! You're a breath of fresh air Ma'am Viscountess ❤️❤️😊 thank you xx

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@GenevievePepin-kx7gr]

Consuelo Vanderbilt is a fascinating woman. I have books about her but seeing your video is incredible! Thank you very much for your work and to share it with us.

[@AmericanViscountess]

You're so welcome!

[@marycamilleri6324]

Oh Julie what an amazing episode. Thoroughly informative and totally enjoyable.

[@LindaGreaves-sf4rr]

How refreshing too see a vlog thats worth watching keep them coming excellent

[@lizw.4901]

Great show. You have such a lovely personality and are a wonderful presenter. Thank you!

[@catherine1057]

This was absolutely amazing, so informative and beautiful to watch. Thanks Julie

[@speckledhen409]

What is most painful to me was the look of innocence and hope of true love that her mother killed by marrying her to off for a title. She was like a caged animal for others to view. She did grow stronger to take back her life.

[@annaf7228]

Thank you, very enjoyable!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Smilealot62]

Absolutely enjoyed this broadcast 💛

[@ibuguru]

Consuela's mother, Alva, was notoriously abusive. Forcing her daughter to wear the steel rod up her back was probably the least of it. The emotional and mental abuse, the constant criticism and demands to perform better undermined her for a long time. Consuelo's autobiography, The Glitter and the Gold, does not fully reveal the depths of hatred for that abusive woman. However, after Consuelo finally found real love and happiness with her second husband, Jacques Balsan, she was able to reunite with her mother and forgive her. So it ended well after a long hard slog. An amazing life of an amazing women, and in the end, an inspiration.

[@inthekitchen8842]

How do you know that Conseula hated her Mother??

[@ibuguru]

@@inthekitchen8842 Consuela said so in her book, as did other biographers and people who knew her. They did eventually make peace.

[@laurasvoyages]

LOVED this video!! Was patiently waiting for it. 😂

[@sechabamotloli4156]

Great Episode. Well done Julie and team.

[@izzy1563]

Marble House is amazing. It’s foundational. The Breakers is more of a family home which is happily placed on a spectacular plot of land by where the Atlantic breaks on the rocks. The family bedrooms have a wonderful grand terrace that overlooks the Ocean.

[@Mary-t1f]

We use AG1. It has been a great addition to our diet. Having fibromyalgia is hard. AG has been very helpful in terms of energy and overall health. We use it with 100% juice. It’s not my favorite, but it’s not horrible either. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

[@riverafranzjethrod.5272]

Love this episode!

[@Vernay-1111]

I really enjoy the content of this channel and the amazing camera work! Thanks for the wonderful combination…it works so well!

[@notnek202]

The Dukes parents divorced, his mother was a English aristocrat daughter of the Duke of Abercorn & Consuelo’s parents also divorced.

[@caryburns5509]

I really enjoy Julie and Luke. Julie - I love how you say Alberta! I do want to talk you about collaboration. We in the US can't take of the unhoused we have abandoned schools that can accommodate this need easily and to be be revitalized and given back to the community. I would like to do the same and there history. I've got one here in St Louis its absolutely amazing I think the structure is fine but inside and mold I'm worried about. I will be happy to send video of the first school prospect its very amateur and sun was in my eyes. I will give you rights just need your guidance and helin revitalize and give back to community. I want to ask us congress to prevent abandoned schools be taken for commercial use but revitalized and given back to the community for many school was sense of community

[@mariaangelesmarinramirez5376]

Good Morning Julie nice video and beautiful Blenheim Palace and I visited the Blenheim Palace and beautiful painting.

[@canadada640]

Wonderful. Thank you! 🙌❣️👏👏

[@Just_Nita-i2q]

I love the clothes of the guided age