NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (née Jenyns, spelt Jennings in most modern references) (29 May 1660 – 18 October 1744) rose to be one of the most influential women in British history, as a result of her close friendship with Queen Anne. Image File history File links Sarah_Churchill,_Duchess_of_Marlborough. ... Image File history File links Sarah_Churchill,_Duchess_of_Marlborough. ... Sarah Churchill, née Jennings, Duchess of Marlborough (May 29, 1660 - October 18, 1744), rose to be one of the most influential women in British history, largely as a result of her close friendship with Queen Anne. ... Sir Godfrey Kneller (August 8, 1646 -October 19, 1723) was an artist, court painter to several British monarchs. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... // Events January 1 - Colonel George Monck with his regiment crosses from Scotland to England at the village of Coldstream and begins advance towards London in support of English Restoration. ... October 18 is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years). ... // Events The third French and Indian War, known as King Georges War, breaks out at Port Royal, Nova Scotia The First Saudi State founded by Mohammed Ibn Saud Prague occupied by Prussian armies Ongoing events War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) Births January 10 - Thomas Mifflin, fifth President... Anne (6 February 1665 â€“ 1 August 1714) followed Englands only joint monarchy to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland on 8 March 1702 after the passing of both William and Mary. ...

Sarah’s friendship and influence with Anne was widely known, and leading public figures often turned their attentions to Sarah as a means of persuading Anne to comply with a request. As a result, by the time Anne became queen, Sarah’s knowledge of government, and intimacy with the queen, allowed her to become a powerful friend and a dangerous enemy.

Early life

Sarah Jennings was born on May 29, 1660, in Holywell, Hertfordshire. She was the daughter of Richard Jennings (or Jenyns), a Member of Parliament, and Frances Thornhurst. Richard Jennings came into contact with James, Duke of York (the future James II, brother of King Charles II) in 1663, during negotiations for the recovery of an estate. His first impressions were favourable, and in 1664 Sarah’s sister, Frances, was appointed maid of honour to the Duchess of York, Anne Hyde. Although Frances was forced to give up the post because of her marriage to a Catholic, his memory of the family remained, as in 1667 Sarah entered court as maid of honour to James’ second duchess, Mary of Modena. May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... // Events January 1 - Colonel George Monck with his regiment crosses from Scotland to England at the village of Coldstream and begins advance towards London in support of English Restoration. ... Hertfordshire (pronounced Hartfordshire and abbreviated as Herts) is an inland county in the United Kingdom and part of the East of England Government Office region. ... A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters to a parliament. ... James II of England/VII of Scotland (14 October 1633 â€“ 16 September 1701) became King of Scots, King of England, and King of Ireland on 6 February 1685, and Duke of Normandy on 31 December 1660. ... Charles II (29 May 1630 â€“ 6 February 1685) was the King of England, King of Scots, and King of Ireland from 30 January 1649 (de jure) or 29 May 1660 (de facto) until his death. ... Lady Anne Hyde (March 1637 – March 31, 1671), daughter of Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, became the first wife of James, Duke of York (the future King James II of England), and the mother of two British queens, Mary II and Anne. ... Mary of Modena (October 5, 1658 – May 7, 1718) was the queen consort of King James II of England. ...

Early life at court

Sarah became close to the young Princess Anne at this time, and the closeness, which later developed into friendship, grew stronger as the two grew older. At the age of seventeen, in 1676, she met, and was courted by, her future husband John Churchill. Although the two connected, Churchill had previously been a lover of Charles II’s mistress, Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland. Churchill also had little to offer financially, as his estates were in deep debt. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (387x643, 34 KB) John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (387x643, 34 KB) John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. ... John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) was an English soldier and statesman whose career spanned the reigns of five monarchs throughout the late 17th and early 18th centuries. ... Anne (6 February 1665 â€“ 1 August 1714) followed Englands only joint monarchy to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland on 8 March 1702 after the passing of both William and Mary. ... John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) was an English soldier and statesman whose career spanned the reigns of five monarchs throughout the late 17th and early 18th centuries. ... Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine Barbara Villiers (November 1640 - October 9, 1709), Duchess of Cleveland, was one of the most notorious of Charles IIs mistresses. ...

There was also a rival for John’s hand in marriage in Catherine Sedley, a mistress of James II. It is likely that John hoped to have Sarah as a mistress to replace the recently departed Duchess of Cleveland, but surviving letters from Sarah to John show her unwillingness to be one. John contemplated marriage to Sedley, but when Sarah’s brother died in 1677, and she and her sister gained significantly more wealth, John chose Sarah, and the two were married in the winter of 1677-8, with the permission and support of the Duchess of York. Catherine Sedley, countess of Dorchester (c. ... James II of England/VII of Scotland (14 October 1633 â€“ 16 September 1701) became King of Scots, King of England, and King of Ireland on 6 February 1685, and Duke of Normandy on 31 December 1660. ... Mary of Modena (October 5, 1658 – May 7, 1718) was the queen consort of King James II of England. ...

Reign of James II (1685 - 1688)

The early reign of James II was reasonably successful, despite being a Catholic king in a fiercely Protestant country. However, the king soon attempted to reform the national religion, and popular discontent for James and his government was becoming widespread. He eventually lost the support of his people, and with former friends flocking to William of Orange, he was advised to flee. James II of England/VII of Scotland (14 October 1633 â€“ 16 September 1701) became King of Scots, King of England, and King of Ireland on 6 February 1685, and Duke of Normandy on 31 December 1660. ... William III of England (The Hague, 14 November 1650 â€“ Hampton Court, 8 March 1702; also known as William II of Scotland and William III of Orange) was a Dutch aristocrat and a Protestant Prince of Orange from his birth, Stadtholder of the main provinces of the Dutch Republic from 28...

However, James still had some influence, and ordered that both Lady Churchill and Princess Anne be placed under house arrest. Lady Churchill, however, explains in her memoirs that the guards were "easy", and the two easily escaped. In her published memoirs, Sarah explains how the two made their escape from London. In justice and law, house arrest is the situation where a person is confined (by the authorities) to his or her residence. ...

After this further disappointment, James gave up completely and fled the country. Although Sarah implied that she had acted for the safety of Princess Anne, it is more likely that she was protecting herself and her husband. If James had won, he could have imprisoned and/or executed Lord and Lady Marlborough for treason. It is not likely that he would have subjected his daughter to this fate. Traitor redirects here. ...

William III and Mary II

The decision to invite the Prince and Princess of Orange (later William III and Mary II) to invade provoked James to flee on December 11th, 1688, and because of this act, the throne was ruled vacant, and promptly filled with James’ daughter and her husband. William III of England (The Hague, 14 November 1650 â€“ Hampton Court, 8 March 1702; also known as William II of Scotland and William III of Orange) was a Dutch aristocrat and a Protestant Prince of Orange from his birth, Stadtholder of the main provinces of the Dutch Republic from 28... Mary II (30 April 1662â€“28 December 1694) reigned as Queen of England and Ireland from 13 February 1689, and as Queen of Scots (as Mary II of Scotland) from 11 April 1689 until her death. ...

Life for Sarah in the reign of William and Mary was difficult. Although the new king and queen had awarded Sarah’s husband the title Earl of Marlborough, they strongly distrusted the Churchill family. The new Earl of Marlborough had previously given his support to the exiled king, and by this time Sarah’s influence on Anne, and her cultivation of high members of the government to promote Anne’s interests, was widely known. Mary II responded to this by demanding Anne to dismiss Sarah. However, she refused. This created a rift between the sisters that would never heal. The coat of arms of the Dukes of Marlborough The Dukedom of Marlborough (named after Marlborough, pronounced Maulbruh - in the IPA), is an hereditary title of British nobility in the Peerage of England. ... Mary II (30 April 1662â€“28 December 1694) reigned as Queen of England and Ireland from 13 February 1689, and as Queen of Scots (as Mary II of Scotland) from 11 April 1689 until her death. ...

Other problems also emerged. In the 1690s a demand by Anne’s supporters in the Houses of Parliament for an annuity of £50 000 to end her dependence on the generosity of the monarchs caused further arguments. Sarah was seen as the power behind the supporters of this bill, creating further ill-feeling towards her from the court. William responded to this by proroguing parliament, and Mary ordered Anne and her household to leave the court. A parliamentary session is a period of time where the legislature in a parliamentary government is sitting. ...

Banned from court, and forced to stay with the Duke of Somerset at Syon House, Anne continued to defy the Queen’s demand for Sarah’s dismissal, even though an incriminating document signed by the Earl of Marlborough supporting the Jacobite cause had been discovered. This document (likely to have been forged) resulted in his imprisonment. During the loneliness Sarah suffered during these events, Anne and herself grew closer. Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset (13 August 1662 - December 2, 1748), succeeded his brother Francis, the 5th Duke, when the latter was shot in 1678 at the age of twenty, by a Genoese gentleman, named Horatio Botti, whose wife Somerset was said to have insulted at Lerici. ... Syon House before the alterations of the 1760s Robert Adams plan for the reconstruction of Syon House. ...

Mary II died in 1694, and in an effort to increase his popularity with the English, William III restored Anne’s honours, and gave her apartments at St. James's Palace. The Earl of Marlborough was also restored to all his offices and honours, and exonerated of any past accusations. However, fearing Sarah’s powerful influence, William kept her out of government affairs, and did not make her regent in his absences. Mary II (30 April 1662â€“28 December 1694) reigned as Queen of England and Ireland from 13 February 1689, and as Queen of Scots (as Mary II of Scotland) from 11 April 1689 until her death. ... William III of England (The Hague, 14 November 1650 â€“ Hampton Court, 8 March 1702; also known as William II of Scotland and William III of Orange) was a Dutch aristocrat and a Protestant Prince of Orange from his birth, Stadtholder of the main provinces of the Dutch Republic from 28... St Jamess Palace and The Mall by Jan Kip, 1715. ... Regent, from the Latin, a person selected to administer a state because the ruler is a minor or is not present or debilitated. ...

The Power Behind The Throne

William III died in 1702, and Anne became Queen. Anne immediately offered John Churchill a dukedom, to which Sarah initially refused, claiming that the family’s fortune was not fit for that rank. Anne countered this by offering the Marlboroughs a pension of £5000 a year, as well as £2000 extra from the Privy Purse, and the Dukedom was accepted. The new Duchess of Marlborough was promptly created Mistress of the Robes – the highest office that could be held by a woman – and Keeper of the Privy Purse, as well as Ranger of Windsor Great Park. The Duke accepted the Order of the Garter, as well as the office of Captain-General of the army. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... William III of England (The Hague, 14 November 1650 â€“ Hampton Court, 8 March 1702; also known as William II of Scotland and William III of Orange) was a Dutch aristocrat and a Protestant Prince of Orange from his birth, Stadtholder of the main provinces of the Dutch Republic from 28... A pension is a steady income given to a person (usually after retirement). ... In the past, the UKs Civil Government day-to-day costs were paid for by the Sovereign under normal circumstances, the monies in this Public Purse being raised by from the income of the Crown Estate lands and holdings. ... The Mistress of the Robes is the senior lady of the British Royal Household. ... The Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to the Queen is responsible for the financial management of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. ... The office of Ranger of Windsor Great Park was established to oversee the protection and maintenance of the Great Park at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. ... The insignia of a knight of the Order of the Garter. ... Captain General is a military rank which was formerly relatively common within various European forces, usually ranking above a lieutenant general, in the current location of a full General. ...

During much of Anne’s reign, the Duke of Marlborough was mostly abroad in the War of the Spanish Succession, while Sarah remained in England. However, she was not at court as frequently as the queen would have liked. Combatants Holy Roman Empire, Great Britain,[1] Dutch Republic, Portugal, Others France, Spain, Bavaria, Others Commanders Eugene of Savoy, Margrave of Baden, Count Starhemberg, Duke of Marlborough, Earl of Galway, Count Overkirk, MarquÃªs das Minas Duc de Villars, Duc de VendÃ´me, Duc de Boufflers, Duc de Villeroi, Duke...

Nevertheless, in all matters, Anne turned to Sarah for advice. Sarah was famous for always telling the Queen exactly what she thought, and never offered her flattery. During their youth, they invented petnames for eachother, in an attempt to show equality. Sarah was known as Mrs Freeman, and Anne as Mrs Morley. Sarah, effectively a business manager, had control over the queen, from her finances to those admitted to her presence.

In return, however, Anne expected kindness and compassion. Sarah was not forthcoming in this expectation, frequently over-powering and dominating. A major disagreement was Sarah’s demand that Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, her son-in-law, be admitted to the Privy Council. Sunderland, a fervent republican, had always been disliked by the Queen. Although Sarah saw sense in the appointment, to moderate the council so no party could dominate, Anne would not allow the appointment. Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (c. ... A privy council is a body that advises the head of state of a nation, especially in a monarchy. ... Republicanism is the ideology of governing a nation as a republic, with an emphasis on liberty, rule by the people, and the civic virtue practiced by citizens. ...

However sensible it may have been in Sarah’s opinion, she did not have the wit to let it go, and Anne was subjected to her famous temper. This was not the kindness and compassion that Anne wanted, above everything else, from her closest friend.

Abigail Masham: The Political Rival

Sarah had previously introduced Abigail Hill to court, with the aim of finding a role for her impoverished cousin. Hill was also the second cousin of the Tory leader, Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford. Flattering, subtle and retiring, Abigail was everything that Sarah was not. During Sarah’s frequent absences from court, Abigail and the Queen grew close; Abigail was happy to give the queen the kindness and compassion that she had longed for from Sarah, and the queen pathetically responded to her flattery and charm. Anne was present at Abigail’s secret wedding to Samuel Masham, without the Duchess of Marlborough’s knowledge. Abigail Masham, Baroness Masham Abigail Masham, nÃ©e Hill, Baroness Masham (d. ... For other uses, see Tory (disambiguation). ... Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Mortimer (5 December 1661 - 21 May 1724), was an English statesman of the Stuart and early Georgian periods. ...

Sarah was completely unaware of any friendship between Anne and the Queen, and only found out about the wedding several months after the event. Resentful that her approval, as her patroness, had not been sought, Sarah responded by attempting to discredit her cousin, and even suggested that the queen and Abigail were lovers. This, as well as Sarah’s absenteeism – and as it appeared to Anne, ungratefulness and selfishness – eventually turned the queen completely against her. Generally, patronage is the act of supporting or favoring some person, group, or institution. ...

Fall from grace

The Duchess of Marlborough’s dramatic fall from grace began in 1710, after her accusations that the queen and Abigail were lovers. However, the Duke of Marlborough’s support was a necessity, and for the sake of pretence, Anne was publicly kind to her Mistress of the Robes. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Abigail Masham, Baroness Masham Abigail Masham, nÃ©e Hill, Baroness Masham (d. ... The Mistress of the Robes is the senior lady of the British Royal Household. ...

Their final argument, however, resulted in the removal of all her offices. Although Sarah was granted a final audience with the queen, Anne gave no answer to any of Sarah’s questions. In 1710, Sarah was stripped of the office of Mistress of the Robes, and was replaced by the Elizabeth Seymour. Abigail was made Keeper of the Privy Purse. Elizabeth Percy, Duchess of Somerset (26 January 1667â€“23 November 1722) was born Lady Elizabeth Percy, the daughter of the 5th and 11th Earl of Northumberland. ... The Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to the Queen is responsible for the financial management of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. ...

Anne took the opportunity to dismiss the Duke of Marlborough and the Earl of Godolphin at the same time. Godolphin, a close friend of the Marlboroughs, had successfully financed the duke of Marlborough and his army during the War of the Spanish Succession. Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin (c. ... Combatants Holy Roman Empire, Great Britain,[1] Dutch Republic, Portugal, Others France, Spain, Bavaria, Others Commanders Eugene of Savoy, Margrave of Baden, Count Starhemberg, Duke of Marlborough, Earl of Galway, Count Overkirk, MarquÃªs das Minas Duc de Villars, Duc de VendÃ´me, Duc de Boufflers, Duc de Villeroi, Duke...

The Marlboroughs also lost state funding for Blenheim Palace, and building ceased. Now in disgrace, they left England and travelled Europe. As a result of his success in the War of the Spanish Succession, the duke of Marlborough was a favourite among the German courts and with the Holy Roman Empire, and the family was received in those places with full honours. Blenheim Palace, The Great Court. ...

Sarah, however, did not like being away from England, and often complained that they were received with full honours in Europe, but were in disgrace at home. Nevertheless, Sarah supported her husband and remained at his side throughout their exile.

Revival of favour

Anne died in 1714, and the Elector of Hanover was now King George I of Great Britain. As a result, the Marlboroughs, who had been favourites at the Hanoverian court, were back in favour, and the duke was restored to his offices. George I (Georg Ludwig) (28 May 1660 â€“ 11 June 1727) was Elector of Hanover from 23 January 1698, and King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 1 August 1714, until his death. ...

Although the new King could not speak a word of english, and was unpopular with most of the people, Sarah admired his choice of whig councillors. However, Sarah spent much of her time after Anne’s death forwarding the interests of her family. Henrietta, her granddaughter, was married to Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, and other successful marriages followed. Despite the importance of maintaining the Marlborough legacy, her chief concern was the welfare of her husband, who had suffered two strokes in 1719. As a result, Sarah took control of all his correspondance, fearing that contents of some letters may provoke another stroke. Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyme (July 21, 1693 - November 17, 1768) was a Whig statesman, whose official life extended throughout the Whig supremacy of the 18th century. ...

Blenheim Palace also became a problematic issue after a court ruled that the remaining payments were to come from the Marlboroughs themselves, and not from the Crown. Sarah’s unsuccessful appeal against the ruling alienated her from society, and prevented her from suppressing the rise of the Tories. Blenheim Palace, The Great Court. ... For other uses, see Tory (disambiguation). ...

Later years

John Churchill died at Windsor in 1722, and Sarah arranged a large funeral for him. Their daughter, Henrietta, became duchess in her own right. Sarah became one of the trustees of the Marlborough estate, and she used her business sense to distribute the family fortune, including the income for the new duchess. John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) was an English soldier and statesman whose career spanned the reigns of five monarchs throughout the late 17th and early 18th centuries. ... The Most Noble Henrietta Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, Countess of Godolphin (July 19, 1681â€“October 24, 1733) was the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. ...

Sarah’s personal income was now considerable, and she used the money to invest in land; she believed this would protect her from currency devaluation. The dowager duchess purchased Wimbledon in 1723, and rebuilt the manor house. Her wealth was so considerable that rumours circulated that Sarah’s granddaughter, Lady Diana Spencer, would marry Frederick, Prince of Wales, with a massive dowry from the dowager duchess of £100 000. However, Robert Walpole, who was at this time First Lord of the Treasury and effectively the equivalent of today’s Prime Minister, put a stop to it. Walpole, although a Whig, had alienated Sarah by supporting peace with Europe, and Walpole, in turn, mistrusted Sarah. Despite this, good relations with the Royal Family remained, and Sarah was occasionally invited to court by Queen Caroline, who attempted to cultivate her friendship. Wimbledon (pronounced ) is a suburb of London, part of the London Borough of Merton and located seven miles (11. ... Lady Diana Spencer (1710-1735) was a granddaughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. ... The Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales (Frederick Lewis; 1 February 1707 â€“ 31 March 1751) was a member of the British Royal Family, the eldest son of King George II. He was born into the House of Hanover and, under the Act of Settlement passed by the English Parliament in 1701... A dowry (also known as trousseau) is a gift of money or valuables given by the brides family to the grooms at the time of their marriage. ... The Right Honourable Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, KG, KB, PC (26 August 1676 â€“ 18 March 1745), usually known as Sir Robert Walpole, was a British statesman who is generally regarded as having been the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. ... The First Lord of the Treasury is the head of the commission exercising the ancient office of Lord High Treasurer in the United Kingdom, usually but not always the Prime Minister. ... The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is, in practice, the political leader of the United Kingdom. ... Caroline of Ansbach (later Queen Caroline; Wilhelmina Charlotte Caroline; 1 March 1683 â€“ 20 November 1737) was the Queen Consort of George II // Margravine Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach was born on 1 March 1683, at Ansbach in Germany, the daughter of Johann Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach and his second wife...

Friendship between Caroline and Sarah ended, however, when Sarah refused the queen's request to build a road through her Wimbledon estate. Although the queen could not compel Sarah to consent, she stopped her £500 a year income for the rangership of Windsor Great Park. Wimbledon (pronounced ) is a suburb of London, part of the London Borough of Merton and located seven miles (11. ... The office of Ranger of Windsor Great Park was established to oversee the protection and maintenance of the Great Park at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. ...

Nevertheless, Sarah maintained her good looks, and received many offers of marriage after the death of her husband, including her old enemy, Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset. However, she decided against remarriage, preferring to keep her independence. Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset (13 August 1662 - December 2, 1748), succeeded his brother Francis, the 5th Duke, when the latter was shot in 1678 at the age of twenty, by a Genoese gentleman, named Horatio Botti, whose wife Somerset was said to have insulted at Lerici. ...

Death and Legacy

Further rulings by the courts restricted her income, and her quarrels with her surviving daughters resulted in estrangement. However, she lived to see her enemy Robert Walpole fall in 1742, and in the same year attempted to improve her reputation by approving of a biographical publication titled An Account of the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough from her first coming to Court to the year 1710. She died on October 18, 1744, and was buried at Blenheim. Her husband’s body was exhumed from Westminster Abbey and buried beside her. Image File history File links The_Marlborough_Family. ... Image File history File links The_Marlborough_Family. ... Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough (July 19, 1681â€“October 24, 1733) was the daughter of the 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. ... Lady Anne Churchill (February 27, 1683 - April 15, 1716) was the second daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. ... The Right Honourable Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, KG, KB, PC (26 August 1676 â€“ 18 March 1745), usually known as Sir Robert Walpole, was a British statesman who is generally regarded as having been the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. ... October 18 is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years). ... // Events The third French and Indian War, known as King Georges War, breaks out at Port Royal, Nova Scotia The First Saudi State founded by Mohammed Ibn Saud Prague occupied by Prussian armies Ongoing events War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) Births January 10 - Thomas Mifflin, fifth President... Blenheim Palace, The Great Court. ... The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster, which is almost always referred to by its original name of Westminster Abbey, is a mainly Gothic church, on the scale of a cathedral (and indeed often mistaken for one), in Westminster, London, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. ...

Although the Duchess of Marlborough’s downfall is chiefly attributed to her selfish and self-serving influence on Queen Anne, many forget that she was a vibrant and intelligent woman, who loyally promoted Anne's interests when princess. However Anne was no conversationalist and Sarah did not find her company stimulating, while Sarah’s intellectual and political calculations clashed with Anne’s personal grievences. Sarah believed that she was right to enforce her political advice, whether Anne personally liked it or not, and became angry if she stubbornly refused. Anne (6 February 1665 â€“ 1 August 1714) followed Englands only joint monarchy to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland on 8 March 1702 after the passing of both William and Mary. ...

Abigail Masham also had a key role in Sarah’s downfall. Modest and retiring, she had a much more subtle influence controlled by her second cousin, Robert Harley. Despite owing her position at court to the duchess of Marlborough, Abigail soon became Sarah’s enemy, and supplanted her in Anne’s affections. Abigail Masham, Baroness Masham Abigail Masham, nÃ©e Hill, Baroness Masham (d. ... Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Mortimer (5 December 1661 - 21 May 1724), was an English statesman of the Stuart and early Georgian periods. ...

Sarah died, in the words of Tobias Smollet, "immensely rich and very little regretted, except by her own family", but her efforts in continuing the Marlborough legacy can not be ignored. Because of her influence, Sarah managed to marry off members of her family to England’s greatest aristocratic dynasties. Among the more famous descendents of the Marlboroughs are Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales. Tobias Smollett Tobias George Smollett (c. ... Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can) (30 November 1874 â€“ 24 January 1965) was a British statesman, soldier, and author. ... Diana, Princess of Wales (Diana Frances[2]; nÃ©e Spencer; 1 July 1961 â€“ 31 August 1997) was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales. ...

Titles

Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 178 pixelsFull resolution (7536 Ã— 1680 pixel, file size: 2. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 178 pixelsFull resolution (7536 Ã— 1680 pixel, file size: 2. ... Blenheim Palace, The Great Court. ... The coat of arms of the Dukes of Marlborough The Dukedom of Marlborough (named after Marlborough, pronounced Maulbruh - in the IPA), is an hereditary title of British nobility in the Peerage of England. ... May 9 is the 129th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (130th in leap years). ... // Events January 1 - Colonel George Monck with his regiment crosses from Scotland to England at the village of Coldstream and begins advance towards London in support of English Restoration. ... 1677 (MDCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ... 1677 (MDCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ... (Redirected from 21 December) December 21 is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Events March 11 â€“ Chelsea hospital for soldiers is founded in England May 6 - Louis XIV of France moves his court to Versailles. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... (Redirected from 21 December) December 21 is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Events March 11 â€“ Chelsea hospital for soldiers is founded in England May 6 - Louis XIV of France moves his court to Versailles. ... (Redirected from 14 May) May 14 is the 134th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (135th in leap years). ... Events February 6 - James Stuart, Duke of York becomes King James II of England and Ireland and King James VII of Scotland. ... (Redirected from 14 May) May 14 is the 134th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (135th in leap years). ... Events February 6 - James Stuart, Duke of York becomes King James II of England and Ireland and King James VII of Scotland. ... April 9 is the 99th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (100th in leap years). ... Events Louis XIV of France passed the Code Noir, allowing the full use of slaves in the French colonies. ... April 9 is the 99th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (100th in leap years). ... Events Louis XIV of France passed the Code Noir, allowing the full use of slaves in the French colonies. ... (Redirected from 14 December) December 14 is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Events March 8 - William III died; Princess Anne Stuart becomes Queen Anne of England, Scotland and Ireland. ... (Redirected from 14 December) December 14 is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Events March 8 - William III died; Princess Anne Stuart becomes Queen Anne of England, Scotland and Ireland. ... (Redirected from 27 June) June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 187 days remaining. ... // Events Abraham De Moivre states De Moivres theorem connecting trigonometric functions and complex numbers Publication of the first book of Bachs Well-Tempered Clavier Fall of Persias Safavid dynasty during a bloody revolt of the Afghani people. ... (Redirected from 27 June) June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 187 days remaining. ... // Events Abraham De Moivre states De Moivres theorem connecting trigonometric functions and complex numbers Publication of the first book of Bachs Well-Tempered Clavier Fall of Persias Safavid dynasty during a bloody revolt of the Afghani people. ... October 18 is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years). ... // Events The third French and Indian War, known as King Georges War, breaks out at Port Royal, Nova Scotia The First Saudi State founded by Mohammed Ibn Saud Prague occupied by Prussian armies Ongoing events War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) Births January 10 - Thomas Mifflin, fifth President...

Children

Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough (July 19, 1681â€“October 24, 1733) was the daughter of the 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Lady Anne Churchill (February 27, 1683 - April 15, 1716) was the second daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. ... Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (c. ... The coat of arms of the Dukes of Marlborough The Dukedom of Marlborough (pronounced Maulbruh) is an hereditary title of British nobility in the Peerage of England. ... Scroop Egerton, 1st Duke of Bridgewater (11 August 1681 â€“ 11 January 1744) was an Earl and Duke in the Peerage of Great Britain. ... John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu (1689 - 1749), in 1745 raised a cavalry regiment known as Montagus Carabineers, which, however, was disbanded after Culloden. ...

References

Categories: 1660 births | 1744 deaths | British and English royal favourites | English duchesses | People from Hertfordshire | People from Old Windsor | People from Woodstock, Oxfordshire Oxford University Press (OUP) is a highly-respected publishing house and a department of the University of Oxford in England. ... Hodder & Stoughton is a British publishing house, now an imprint of Hodder Headline. ... Christopher Hibbert, MC, (born 1924) is an English writer and popular historian and biographer. ... The Mistress of the Robes is the senior lady of the British Royal Household. ... Elizabeth Percy, Duchess of Somerset (26 January 1667â€“23 November 1722) was born Lady Elizabeth Percy, the daughter of the 5th and 11th Earl of Northumberland. ... This is an incomplete list of those who have served as Groom of the Stole in the British Royal Household. ... Elizabeth Percy, Duchess of Somerset (26 January 1667â€“23 November 1722) was born Lady Elizabeth Percy, the daughter of the 5th and 11th Earl of Northumberland. ... The Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to the Queen is responsible for the financial management of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. ... Abigail Masham, Baroness Masham Abigail Masham, nÃ©e Hill, Baroness Masham (d. ... Baptist May (1628 â€“ 1698) was a Royal courtier during the reign of Charles II of England. ... The office of Ranger of Windsor Great Park was established to oversee the protection and maintenance of the Great Park at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. ... The Right Honourable John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer (December 19, 1734â€“October 31, 1783) was an English peer and the grandson of Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland. ...

Contents

Early life GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");