Helping restore and preserve a UNESCO World Heritage Site’s 18th century lake

Queen Pool Lake Restoration at Blenheim Palace

In 1763, the Fourth Duke of Marlborough commissioned Capability Brown to redesign the parklands of Blenheim Palace to reflect changing fashions. Brown’s vision included the rolling hills, woodlands, vast lawns, and magnificent lake. The site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Over the last century, silt had accumulated in the lake, carried in by the River Glyme from the upstream catchment, reducing lake depth and water quality. Without intervention, the lake would have ultimately become a marshland. The dam and cascade at the downstream end of the lake also required maintenance. Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation reached out to our team to help.

We undertook surveys and investigations, prepared designs and specifications, obtained consents, and tendered the works to contractors. Additionally, we provided project management and supervision services throughout construction until successful completion of dredging.

Through the foundation’s efforts, the lake has been restored to its original depth, the cascade repaired, and the Queen Pool preserved for generations to come.