It is believed these mirrors were designed to hang between windows in Blenheim Palace, the largest private residence in the world, and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace was built for the First Duke of Marlborough as reward for military service and victory at the battle of Blenheim in 1704—a gift from a grateful Queen Anne. The mirrors are ornately carved wood, lavishly covered with gold leaf. They have been attributed to various makers: James Moore, Grinling Gibbons (master carver to the king), and chief architect James Vanbrugh.

During the late nineteenth century, the Eighth Duke of Marlborough sold these mirrors, as well as furnishings and paintings, to raise funds for agricultural experiments and farm improvements.