The Many Mansions of Consuelo Vanderbilt (Blenheim Palace)

[@ThisHouse]

While I do my best to cross my t’s and dot my i’s, mistakes sometimes happen. I am now very aware that there is a difference between nobility and royalty in the UK. As an American Architectural Historian, my specialization is not in foreign politics nor the inter-workings of the UK. With that being said, I acknowledge that a correction should be made to state that Consuelo married into nobility, not royalty. As for the pronunciation of Blenheim… Once again, I am an American with a Southern accent and I work hard to maintain a more neutral accent while giving presentations. I have had no less than 8 unique pronunciations offered by viewers.. There are differences in regional dialect and accents.. You can rest assured that we are all talking about the same house. Thanks for your understanding, -Ken

[@oltedders]

Oh Ken, this is more of an observation than a criticism! Take it with a grain of salt and move on. No one is questioning your credentials. We love what you're doing!

[@lisadolan689]

Ken, you just keep doing you. Don’t worry about trying to please the masses. You will never be able to. What you do is outstanding! AND your delivery is excellent. I speak 5 languages and I can tell you that even with that level of multilingualism, I’ll still OFTEN get pronunciation wrong. The care factor is ZERO ♥️

[@garryferrington811]

English names can be quite anomalous. How on earth can "Fanshaw" (pronunciation) be spelled "Featherstonehough?!"

[@portaltwo]

Or Worcestershire pronounced Woostershir? 😅

[@jppurves7837]

Ken, the nobility vs royalty note was not a criticism, just a comment. I enjoy all your videos.

[@megfuchs9425]

Her comment at the end is a classic. Many people spend their entire adulthood trying to " overcome" their childhood. What a fascinating woman!

[@jobskinner833]

Me

[@danielkoher1944]

@@jobskinner833 Us (PERIOD).

[@TheDarkDresser]

Poor Consuela. An overly strict and extremely abusive parent and coerced into a loveless marriage; I can relate to that. I'm glad she finally married a man she loved. Seemed like a lovely lady. All the homes are exquisite.

[@bigredc222]

I wonder why she left her money to her grandchildren rather than her children? edit I just looked, her father gave her kids boatloads of money while he was alive, and they also inherited tons of his money when he died, so they didn't need her money. These videos always get me to look up more information up. Thank you.

[@jonclassical2024]

#metoo....I usual spend at least 30 mins. after one of Kens postings, sometimes a hour or more!!!!

[@123pb]

The ending words are so true, what you experience in childhood is the template for the rest of your life

[@superdougie10]

The pictures of the countess in her elderly years on Long Island really brought this story and also the scale of her rooms she lived in into focus. She obviously may have had ptsd and other problems associated with such a traumatized childhood. The color pictures were really a treat at the end.

[@Emily_Paris]

Consuelo was unhappy with her first marriage to Charles Spencer Churchill. He told Consuelo he only married her to save Bleinhilm Palace and he had a mistress who became his second wife. Both Consuelo and Charles remarried the same year they divorced. If I could only visit this magnificent palace….but at least I can view some of it from my home. Great job Ken, as always.

[@myrrhkablam]

As always, you told the tale with tasteful grace. Such a wonderful presentation of a sad story

[@williamtyre523]

Excellent video and wonderful to see so many spectacular houses. The best part is that she was able to enjoy many years of happiness after she was given the opportunity to marry for love.

[@williamevans9426]

The eyes painted under the portico are modeled on those of Gladys Deacon, another American, who followed Consuelo as the second with of the ninth duke. Like Consuelo, her marriage to the duke was also unhappy. It should be remembered that, without the dowry that accompanied Consuelo, Blenheim Palace would almost certainly not have survived intact.

[@whigparty6180]

Fascinating houses and a fascinating woman. Thank you!

[@garryferrington811]

Blenheim Palace still exists, unlike the New York City extravagances.

[@neighborhoodcatlady6094]

Blenheim Palace is gorgeous. Definitely recommend visiting. ❤❤

[@aliceincraftland3388]

She is my favorite Vanderbilt. She was so beautiful, and when she married the Duke of Marlboro, it was so crowded with well wishers, and onlookers that it was too crazy for the police. Her mother Alva was something else!

[@lisadolan689]

Dear Ken I’ve always loved architecture, I find however, that your voice and delivery is the perfect tone to narrate. Your voice settles my ludicrously active brain. It’s almost a form of meditation. If you had been a psych you would’ve been OUTSTANDING. Thank you for all your efforts 🙏☺️

[@garryferrington811]

Have you tried Xanax?

[@cardiffdillon]

Love your channel and glad to see that you're including the British homes of some of the 'Dollar Princesses' I've visited Blenheim and it's staggeringly huge and magnificent. It's pronounced 'Blennim' btw.

[@portaltwo]

Beat me to the proper pronunciation of Blenheim. ☺👍

[@kenw1295]

Yes BLEN-im

[@oltedders]

blen uhm, not BLEN hime. Not a single demolition mentioned in this video. BRAVO!

[@bluebox2000]

Ugh. On a different video site, the narrator kept saying Eee-vuh Gabor. These kids work hard on these videos, but they really need to check their pronunciations for credibility.

[@LJB103]

Duke of Marlborough is an aristocratic, not a royal, title. Blenheim is considered the only non royal or episcopal palace in Europe. Excellent video.

[@elasticharmony]

Fact is us some titles are royal because they are from the King's demeses, you are confusing royal with sovereign.

[@elasticharmony]

Aristocracy is not a title but an adjective for certain major positions, this Duke's title could be royal because it comes from the King's own demeses. You are confusing royal with sovereign.

[@xr6lad]

@@elasticharmonyand you do not know what you are talking about. It is still NOT a Royal title as said in the video. It is a title bestowed by royalty AS ARE ALL TITLES from a Knighthood to Lord and Duke. It does not make them a ‘Royal title’ nor a Prince or Princess which is what was inferred in the video.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

This is one of my favorite episodes as I’ve always been a fan of Consuelo’s ever since reading her autobiography. Thank you for showing her many homes.

[@caroleinwv]

An interesting life. I would love to have known her as I can relate to what she said about childhood. Thank you. It gave me a bit of peace.

[@Robin-g7q5d]

I was glad to hear that Consuelo found happiness after so long.

[@bethbartlett5692]

She had the grace of a true royal.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

An incredible life story, presented beautifully as always.

[@a-complished4406]

I’ve seen so much about her, but this is the first video about her life after divorce and later life. Thank you, very informative and interesting ❤

[@janetsmall2310]

Wonderful video! Thank you for a story with so many levels. I appreciate how you wove the mother-daughter narrative alongside the rich architectural history. Delight to watch and I absolutely loved the quote at the end.

[@nemallasuevasesaelpdog]

This is one of the most impressive "HOMES" I have ever seen...

[@Sherry-v2r]

Man's ego has no bounds. Everything is temporary, so I suppose nothing is too much in the moment. All the buildings, the parties, the spending, all created jobs and kept money flowing into many hands. Could the money haven been better spent? I don't really know, maybe. It was an awesome video. The creativity was inspiring, on all fronts.

[@kennstransky]

Great episode!

[@traluf1466]

The gold toilet was installed as part of an art exhibit 20 years ago and had nothing to do with Consuelo or the palace. BTW it was valued at 6 million lbs and was never found.

[@monkeygraborange]

Fun fact: The gold toilet, a work of art by Maurizio Cattelan was stolen in 2019 shortly after it was installed as part of an art exhibition. Because the piece was actually plumbed into the wall, its theft caused significant flood damage to the palace.

[@garryferrington811]

Check Mar-A-Lardo.

[@xr6lad]

@@garryferrington811or the West Wing. Joe could have grabbed it so Hunter has something to sniff his coke off the rim.

[@ronrossi8475]

A great lesson about Consuelo. She had an interesting life from an interesting time. She did find her life later. I know in the end she was buried at Blenheim Palace in the family cemetery. Her stone marks that she was the mother of a Duke, her son.

[@soultide-111]

I am moved that Alva felt remorse and apologized to Consuelo, and worked to repair the damage she caused.

[@notnek202]

Consuelo was so intelligent her mother had Oxford & Cambridge Send over their entrance exams and Consuelo passed both with flying colors.

[@lauriekeikkala9937]

Awesome story. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@karyndekeiser-moulton1213]

Her quote at the end is very telling of how childhood trauma effects the rest of one’s life. I’m glad she found some joy after her divorce!

[@SuperB719]

Great video. Stunning houses.

[@esleyhamilton4056]

"Blenheim" is pronounced "Blen-um" . Glad you caught the slip about titles of nobility versus royalty. Keep up the good work.

[@BartClubb]

I love the video about the Vanderbilts and the mini mansions that she live down very fascinating and the history

[@levipoling5407]

Blenheim palace wasn’t added on to, it was build in one building campaign

[@williamevans9426]

I agree, 'though some parts of the formal gardens (such as the Water Terraces) were a relatively late alteration.

[@mh-on7fp]

The end quote! So true! Great vid, thanks!

[@vincenzaperriano876]

Great video ken! Ty

[@pmm3112]

WOW!! 🤩 😮 Brilliant work Ken!!

[@queenesther10]

Great video Thanks!

[@dannystyles6485]

Excellent!!!

[@philpots48]

Consuelo Vanderbilt, spent some of her childhood at Eagle's Nest her fathers' estate in Centerport, Long Island NY.

[@robinhumphrey2692]

Well done! You crammed a lot of into a brief video

[@WayneGray-m6e]

Correction: the Churchill Family is from aristocratic, not Royal bloodlines.

[@thomasvrastiak1713]

You briefly showed one of Consuelo Vanderbilt's homes located at 319 El Vedado in Palm Beach. I worked for a prominent socialite for many years and lived in that house, it was quite interesting. Especially when you had to drain the saltwater pool, then climb down into a Subterranean room at by the ocean to refill it. The house had shifted pretty badly by the time I was there in the 90's, and 00's. Following her death, the house was restored. Interesting side note, that property abutted the property of none other than Jeffrey Epstein, who lived on El Brillo. I went over to meet him in his home office to see if he might be interested in the house, so he could own the adjoining property. Because of her, I was also at Trump's wedding to Melania. Got to see a good portion of the reception entertainment close up too. Watching Billy Joel play the piano while Paul Anka sang was surreal...Tony Bennett stole the show. Great channel, I love learning about these great old houses. Keep up the great work. I know of a great house on the North Shore of Massachusetts called Killybracken. Look it up, it was built in the 20's one of the first houses to use rebar in the walls. Would love to chat with you further.

[@brendafulmernickel1218]

Interesting, but I personally would have enjoyed hearing about Gloria Vanderbilt and how she fit in the Family Tree. I am simply not familiar with the Vanderbilt history.

[@thomascoffin4799]

The "Saloon" at English mansions was the most formal Drawing Room. The dining room is to one side of this room in Blenheim Palace. Also, the Churchills did not have a "royal title".

[@mikenixon2401]

I think I got lost among the many mansions. Ha, ha. Good job, Ken.

[@bluemoonsy]

Can you do a sub-series from this where you explore the many mansions mentioned here?

[@johnsonrepp]

Any info on Sierra Russell the heir to the Vanderbilt properties?? Thanks

[@chucklambooy8457]

I am always left to wonder why people felt it was alright to treat children like any other piece of furniture, and garble their lives. Some never recover but it was nice to see that Consuelo was able to have some normalcy even if it was toward the end of her life.

[@leanneburbank]

Awesome

[@marilynwade9448]

Very interesting accomplished lady

[@seattlebeard]

You did a wonderful job on this video, Ken. :o)

[@Attingham]

I believe there was a house at Tuxedo Park, NY as well. Enjoy this content. kudos!

[@martinadrempetic2395]

Sad childhood surrounded by wealth and abusive mother. Today Alva would be considered a child abuser. I am glad Consuelo find her love at last. Beautiful mansions ❤

[@neoream3606]

Kind of like the Russell daughter from Gilded Age😊

[@rickyt3961]

fascinating!

[@notnek202]

The Duke of Marlborough had a first cousin the Duke of Roxburghe he also married an American heiress who was even more wealthy then Conseulo May Goelet and they had a wonderful marriage.

[@danielleporter1829]

Charles Spencer-Churchill ( distant relative of both British wartime prime Minister Winston Churchill and Princess Diana) was not roya but Aristocratic. The difference between Aristocratix and Riyal Dukes is that Royal Dukedoms like that those that were given to Princes William, ( Duke of Cambridge ) Harry ( Duke of Sussex and yes Prince Harry still retains Duke of Sussex even though he and Meaghan stepped from from being working members of the royal family. They just just can't use HRH) , Prince Andrew ( Duke of York) is that royal dukedom are either bestowed by the monarch at the time of marriage . In the case of King Charles, his title of Duke of Cornwall ( titke was passed on to Prince William when his father ascended the throne) was bestowed on him as a 4 year since he was heir to the throne, and Prince Edward, ( Duke of Edinburgh) was essentially inherited from theur father , the late Prince Philip after he passed in 2021 and bestowed on him by his brother sfter King Charles ascended the throne. Aristocratic dukes are given dukedoms by the monarch for their contributions to the country in someway ( for example the LDuke of Wellington was given titke for his leaderdhip during the Battle of Trafalgar during the Nepoleonic wars) and the title is handed down through the family . The Dukes of Marlborough ( the Spencer Churchill branch of the family that Winston Churchill belonged to directly. Diana and by extension, William and Harry belong to another but eaually important branch, both branches were linked very closely with the royal family ). In fact, Diana's brither Charles Spencer , Earl of Althrop was a godchild of the late Queen and their parents actually asked the Queen's permission to name him charles after Prince Charles ( now King Charles. He wasn't Princes of Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 yet, he wouldn't be formally investitured as Prince of Wales untill 1969 when he was 21) .

[@ShankGardner-ps1hf]

Blenheim is pronounced, "Blennum." Consuelo Vanderbilt would not have been disturbed by the enormous eyes above the entrance through the portico as they were not there during the time she lived at Blenheim - Those were the eyes of Gladys Deacon, whom Consuelo's husband married after Consuelo divorced him.

[@edcomedian357]

Which of the Houses still stand if any?

[@lynettevinich861]

I have always wondered, if the Vanderbiilt mansion in Palos Verdes California, was also theirs, in thev70s we would go up there an run around ,we were I high-school, and everone said it was haunted??

[@godswarrior4807]

I went to Blenheim, there's one wing off limits because it is occupied.

[@Gerry1of1]

Blenheim is pronounced Blen-um. You almost hear the H but not quite. I know it's odd, but English is an old language and has many strangely pronounced words like Worcestershire Sauce = "Wooster Sauce". Also, the Host/ess sitting at the Ends of the table is a Continental and American thing. In England the host sits in the middle with Hostess opposite side of table so everyone can see her for social cues. She'll begin talking to one side or the other and everyone follows suit. When she turns her head to speak with the guest on her others side everyone else does as well. Even today Her Maj Queen Elizabeth followed this custom. I don't know if King Charles will.

[@2009grifin1]

Some cliches will always remain true... Money can't buy happiness.

[@JohnC-pt1iw]

Did she scrub floors?

[@jppurves7837]

It should be noted that the Marlborough family, though noble, was not, and never will be, royal.

[@EcceHomo1088]

I will own Blenheim Palace one day.

[@BlaineShire]

How?

[@EcceHomo1088]

@@BlaineShire … don’t ask… just watch.

[@BlaineShire]

@@EcceHomo1088 well the current owner is a cousin of mine and I know son and doubt you are his.

[@EcceHomo1088]

@@BlaineShire … how many children has he hidden in its walls?… I’ll find out soon enough…

[@EcceHomo1088]

@@BlaineShire … without being able to type proper English… I doubt that comment is true…

[@edcomedian357]

What became of all the Houses she owned?

[@JohnBrown-cn2qz]

Her house, shown in this video, in Manalapan, Florida, across the waterway from her brother, Harold S. Vanderbilt's palatial house, is still standing. It wasn't mentioned, but when Consuelo built the house in Florida it was on a huge piece of waterfront property.

[@edcomedian357]

@@JohnBrown-cn2qz thanks 4 the update

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

Another victim of a social-climbing mother. So glad that Consuelo finally broke away and established her own life.

[@paulrosa6173]

Alva had an in with a catholic bishop or cardinal evidently. As I understand the situation the RC church wasn't likely at the time to grant an annulment to a couple with children. Alva may have made a large donation?

[@mattdeans9873]

Love your videos. Just for future references.... Blenheim for English and us here is pronounce BLEN-em.

[@paco7992]

It is strange to me that her quote at the end is often leveled at the poor by members of the elite. Hurts, don't it?

[@KCCardCo]

She had $1,000,000 dollars left to her name when she died. The rest went towards maintaining Blenheim.

[@monsieurlespaique2333]

Blenheim Palace's name is actually pronounced BLEN-um. That's my only quibble, otherwise excellent as always.

[@danytremblay4203]

The toilet was install in 2016... It was a modern work of art called "America"

[@rickc303]

What about the mansion in Hyde Park, New York?

[@brucefenton8294]

That was owned by a different branch of the family

[@curtklebaum]

I enjoy your videos and commentary, but wish you would check the pronunciation of names like Blenheim.

[@jakecavendish3470]

We need more lemon Pledge

[@kathat4235]

Unfortunately, my one critique is that the pronunciation of "Blenheim" was incorrect. Sounds like bleh·nuhm.

[@vickilindberg6336]

She didn't have a free long fe before marriage. Mom had plans. C did well for herself, building a decent life. Smart girl. Good they saved Blendheim.

[@jilltagmorris]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anteeker]

@02:49- is that a car submerged in the pool? What a horrible childhood she must have had! The poor thing.

[@vivaldi1948]

If you run out of room just expand the house. My kind of thinking.

[@MrDaithis]

Just note on pronunciation, Blenheim is pronounce Bleh -nuhm

[@mariadelcarmenrouco8014]

Q formidable mansion😊

[@jillbriska2416]

Both Consuelo and Charles were unhappy and basically forced to marry by their family members it seems. I am business minded so my though was why didn’t they, behind closed doors, turn the tables in their own favor and come up with an agreement? Align so they could keep up appearances yet both reap the benefits?

[@ronen160]

it's amazing to find out how much American money has saved the great houses of England. And other European countries, i'm sure. Like France and Spain. Didn't we have a (relatively) recent "Dollar Bride"? Didn't the Miller daughter marry a Greek Prince years ago? American Billionaire daughter betrothed to a European Royal - money in exchange for 'title'.....wait - it was years ago - 1995, but still, this kind of thing happens.......

[@gregpendrey6711]

Water terraces. 😮

[@husseinmuhammed828]

funny how at long last she was burried close to bleinheim

[@mikeloe666]

But did they really?

[@BlaineShire]

Marlborough is pronounced MarlBra.

[@Dog.eatdog]

Actually Blenheim is pronounced "Blennem".

[@jhbrown1010]

The Dukes of Marlborough aren't royal, they are ennobled.

[@robertthomson1587]

The palace's name is pronounced BLEN-UM.

[@alanedwards1179]

Blenheim is pronounced "Blenem" not Blenhime

[@JaneMcKee-l4b]

Is she Gloria’s mother?

[@caroleinwv]

No. Different line of the family. Her name before marriage was Vanderbilt.

[@suzyhall2608]

Winston Churchill had to write so much because he was often desperately in need of money. His mother, and grandmother, could spend all of this money and yet not give any to the savior of the Free World?

[@Carlos-hl3rh]

Consuela Vanderbilt was not Winston Churchill's mother she was married to his 1st cousin the 9th Duke of Marlborough