What Happened at Blenheim Vale in Endeavour? What is Blenheim Vale in Endeavour? Endeavour Blenheim Vale Explained

What happened at Blenheim Vale in Endeavour? Uncover the secrets of Blenheim Vale in the British television detective drama series, ‘Endeavour’ and explore the story behind the place.

by Sooryaprakash D

Updated Jul 03, 2023

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What Happened at Blenheim Vale in Endeavour? What is Blenheim Vale in Endeavour? Endeavour Blenheim Vale Explained
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What Happened at Blenheim Vale in Endeavour?

In the television series Endeavour, the events surrounding Blenheim Vale are explored in Season 2, Episode 4, titled Neverland. Blenheim Vale is an old unsolved case related to a residential home for troubled boys that closed in 1955. The episode reveals a disturbing history of sexual and physical abuse that took place at Blenheim Vale.

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In Neverland, Blenheim Vale becomes the proposed site for a new police headquarters, suggested by developer Joe Landesman and his powerful associate, Alderman Gerald Wintergreen. However, as Detective Sergeant Morse and Detective Inspector Thursday investigate the murder of an escaped prisoner who was found beaten and drowned, they stumble upon the dark secrets of Blenheim Vale.

Their investigation uncovers that the children residing at Blenheim Vale were subjected to horrific abuse by the very individuals who were entrusted with their care. These abusers, who were once pillars of Oxford society, had used their positions of power to exploit and harm vulnerable children.

As the case unfolds, Morse makes a startling discovery. He learns that DS Peter Jakes, one of his colleagues, is "Little Pete," a survivor of the abuse at Blenheim Vale. This revelation adds a personal element to the investigation, as Morse becomes even more determined to bring the truth to light.

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Throughout the episode, Morse unravels a conspiracy involving ACC Clive Deare and DI Chard, who had suppressed the investigation into the events at Blenheim Vale in the past. It becomes clear that Deare was complicit in the cover-up and was willing to resort to extreme measures to protect his secrets.

In a critical moment, Morse finds himself in grave danger when Deare tries to have Chard shoot him. However, Morse manages to escape and rushes to Blenheim Vale, where Deare has set a trap for Thursday. Deare shoots Thursday and reveals his plan to frame Morse not only for shooting Thursday but also for strangling Chief Constable Standish.

Before Deare can execute his plan and frame Morse for the murders, Angela Fairchild, the daughter of the school's doctor and a victim of the abuse herself, emerges from the shadows and shoots Deare. Tragically, Angela then turns the gun on herself. The episode ends with Morse being wrongly imprisoned, and Thursday fighting for his life.

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In subsequent seasons of Endeavour, it is revealed that Thursday survives his injuries, and Morse is eventually exonerated. The shooting of Thursday is attributed to a "mental breakdown suffered by ACC Clive Deare." Although the case surrounding Blenheim Vale is sealed, with Wintergreen and Deare deceased, the mastermind behind the abuse, Joe Landesman, remains at large.

In the final season of Endeavour, there are hints that Joe Landesman may have fled abroad, possibly to Spain or Portugal, where his company owned holiday hotels. The remains of "Big Pete" or Peter Williams, another victim of the abuse, have never been found but are presumed to be buried somewhere at Blenheim Vale. This sets the stage for the last episode of Endeavour, titled "Exeunt," where the final resolution of the series is expected to take place.

What is Blenheim Vale in Endeavour?

Blenheim Vale refers to a significant location and case featured in the show Endeavour. Blenheim Vale is an old unsolved case surrounding a residential home for troubled boys that closed down in 1955. The case is first introduced in Season 2, Episode 4 of Endeavour, titled Neverland.

In the episode Neverland, Blenheim Vale becomes the center of attention when developer Joe Landesman and his powerful associate Alderman Gerald Wintergreen propose the property as the site for the new police headquarters. Detective Constable Morse and Detective Inspector Thursday begin investigating the murder of an escaped prisoner who was found beaten and drowned.

Their investigation unveils disturbing instances of sexual and physical abuse inflicted on the children who once lived at Blenheim Vale. Shockingly, the abusers turned out to be individuals who were supposed to protect the children and had since become prominent members of Oxford society.

Blenheim Vale Endeavour Filming Location

The filming location for Blenheim Vale in the detective series "Endeavour" is primarily Oxford and Buckinghamshire. The ninth and final series of the show was mostly filmed in these areas. According to information shared by the fan site filming for the new episodes took place in Buckinghamshire and Oxford. Several notable locations were featured prominently, including Christ Church, Magdalen College, and St Edmund's Hall.

Oxford serves as a popular backdrop for the series, and fans of "Endeavour" have the opportunity to visit the filming locations. A tour was launched in February 2020, specifically designed for fans to explore the city and discover the recognizable spots seen in the show.

The tour includes visits to various Oxford colleges, which may vary depending on availability, as well as the main filming locations associated with "Endeavour." During the tour, fans are treated to behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the guide, adding an extra layer of excitement and insight.

If you're interested in experiencing the filming locations firsthand, you can visit Oxford and take part in the "Endeavour" tour to immerse yourself in the world of the show. Oxford and Buckinghamshire were the primary filming locations for "Endeavour," including the portrayal of Blenheim Vale, which played a significant role in the series.

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Endeavour Series Overview

Endeavour is a British detective drama series that airs on ITV. It serves as a prequel to the popular Inspector Morse series and focuses on the early career of the character Endeavour Morse, played by Shaun Evans. The show follows Morse as he begins his journey as a detective constable and later advances to the rank of detective sergeant in the Oxford City Police CID.

Endeavour is the third installment in the Inspector Morse series, following the original Inspector Morse series that aired from 1987 to 2000, as well as its spin-off, Lewis, which aired from 2006 to 2015.

The series consists of nine seasons, which are set between the years 1965 and 1972. It started with a pilot episode in 2012, set in 1965, and the first full series premiered in 2013, also set in 1965. The second series took place in 1966, while the third and fourth series were both set in 1967. The fifth series, consisting of six episodes, was set in 1968, and the sixth series continued the story eight months later, in 1969.

Series seven, set in 1970, began airing in February 2020, with the first episode shown in the United States on Masterpiece Theatre on August 9 of that year. In August 2019, ITV announced that the series had been renewed for an eighth season. Filming for the eighth series, which is set in 1971, commenced in March 2021 and concluded in June 2021.

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Following this, filming for the ninth and final series, set in 1972, began on May 22, 2022. The next day, it was confirmed that the ninth series would be the last. Filming wrapped up on August 26, 2022, and the series was broadcast between February 26 and March 12, 2023. In the United States, the first episode was aired on June 18, 2023.



Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

What Happened at Blenheim Vale in Endeavour? - FAQs

1. What is Blenheim Vale in "Endeavour"?

Blenheim Vale is an old unsolved case related to a residential home for troubled boys that closed down in 1955. It is featured prominently in Season 2, Episode 4 of "Endeavour" titled "Neverland." 

2. What is "Endeavour"?

"Endeavour" is a British detective drama series that serves as a prequel to the long-running Inspector Morse series. It follows the early career of Endeavour Morse, played by Shaun Evans, as he rises through the ranks of the Oxford City Police CID.

3. Where was Blenheim Vale filmed in "Endeavour"?

The filming location for Blenheim Vale in "Endeavour" primarily takes place in Oxford and Buckinghamshire. 

4. Can I visit the filming locations of "Endeavour" and Blenheim Vale?

Yes, Oxford is a popular town for visitors to explore the filming locations of "Endeavour." In February 2020, a tour was launched specifically for fans to visit various Oxford colleges, including the filming locations associated with the show. The tour offers behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the guide, providing an immersive experience for fans.

5. How many series of "Endeavour" are there, and when are they set?

"Endeavour" consists of nine series. The series is set between the years 1965 and 1972. Each series represents a different year. The first series is set in 1965, the second in 1966, the third and fourth in 1967, the fifth in 1968, the sixth in 1969, the seventh in 1970, the eighth in 1971, and the final ninth series is set in 1972.

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