Duke of Marlborough
Duke of Marlborough, born John Churchill (1650-1722). British general and statesman. At 15 he served as page to the duke of York (later James II), and advanced in his favour through his sister Arabella, who was the duke’s mistress. He helped to put down Monmouth’s rebellion against James II in 1685. Later, by supporting the successor to James’s throne, William III, he became even more influential in government. His wife Sarah was a firm friend and confidante of the Princess Anne, and when Anne came to the throne he was made a duke. He led the British and allied armies against the French forces of Louis XIV in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-14), winning notable victories at Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), Oudenarde (1708), and Malplaquet (1709). However, because of a quarrel between the queen and the duchess of Marlborough, he was refused any military position or office on his re-turn. He returned to favour under George I and was given the magnificent mansion and grounds of Blenheim Palace, near Woodstock in Oxfordshire.
