Duke of Marlborough facts for kids

The entrance of Blenheim Palace.

The Duke of Marlborough is a special title in England. It was first given out in 1702 by Queen Anne. The very first Duke was a famous soldier and leader named John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough.

This important title is named after Marlborough in Wiltshire, England. It's quite unique because it's the only dukedom in England that can be passed down to a woman, and even through a woman's family line!

The family holding this title has always been involved in politics. They are also well-known for their amazing home, Blenheim Palace. This palace is special because it's the only one in the United Kingdom that isn't owned by the royal family. The Duke's family still lives there today. When you talk to the Duke, you can call him "Your Grace".

Who Are the Dukes of Marlborough?

Here is a list of the people who have held the title of Duke or Duchess of Marlborough:

1. John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722): He was a great soldier and a smart leader.
2. Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough (1681–1733): She was the 1st Duke's oldest daughter. She became Duchess because of a special law passed in 1706.
3. Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough (1706–1758).
4. George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough (1739–1817): He was the older son of the 3rd Duke.
5. George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough (1766–1840): He was the older son of the 4th Duke.
6. George Spencer-Churchill, 6th Duke of Marlborough (1793–1857): He was the oldest son of the 5th Duke.
7. John Winston Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke (1822–1883): He was the oldest son of the 6th Duke. He was also the grandfather of Winston Churchill, a famous Prime Minister.
8. George Charles Spencer-Churchill, 8th Duke (1844–1892): He was the oldest son of the 7th Duke.
9. Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke (1871–1934): He was the only son of the 8th Duke.
10. John Albert William Spencer-Churchill, 10th Duke (1897–1972): He was the older son of the 9th Duke.
11. John George Vanderbilt Henry Spencer-Churchill, 11th Duke (1926–2014): He was the older son of the 10th Duke.
12. Charles James Spencer-Churchill, 12th Duke (born 1955): He is the oldest living son of the 11th Duke.

The person who is expected to become the next Duke is George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford (born 1992). He is the oldest son of the current 12th Duke.

Images for kids

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  The Drake home of Ash, in Devon, rebuilt by Sir John Drake, 1st Baronet (1625–1669) after its near-destruction during the Civil War

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  James, Duke of York

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  Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough; attributed to Godfrey Kneller

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  The Marlborough family c. 1694 by John Closterman. On the Duke's left are Elizabeth, Mary, the Duchess, Henrietta, Anne and John.

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  Holywell House, near St Albans, before its demolition in 1837

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  John Churchill (c. 1685–1690) by John Closterman

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  King William III (1650–1702); portrait by Godfrey Kneller

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  Marlborough in his thirties, attributed to John Riley. The Star of the Order of the Garter was added after 1707.

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  Princess Anne 1683 by Willem Wissing. When Mary died childless in 1694 (O.S.), Anne, her sister, became heir apparent.

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  Sidney Godolphin, Lord Treasurer, Chief Minister and fellow Tory friend of Marlborough

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  Europe in 1700; Marlborough fought principally in the Low Countries.

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  Charles II, King of Spain (1665–1700), whose death triggered the war

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  Philip of Anjou proclaimed Philip V of Spain, 16 November 1700

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  John Churchill c. 1702

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  Marlborough writing the Blenheim despatch to Sarah, by Robert Alexander Hillingford. "I have no time to say more but to beg you will give my duty to the Queen, and let her know her army has had a glorious victory."

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  John Churchill, by Godfrey Kneller. This oil sketch shows Marlborough, victor at Blenheim and Ramillies, in triumph.

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  Marlborough at the Battle of Ramillies, 1706

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  Robert Harley by Jonathan Richardson, c. 1710. Harley became Marlborough's nemesis.

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  John Churchill, by Godfrey Kneller; late 17th or early 18th century

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  Marlborough's main battles and sieges in the War of the Spanish Succession. In the decade he held command, 1702–11, Marlborough fought five great battles and besieged and captured over thirty enemy fortresses.

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  Prince Eugene of Savoy by Jacob van Schuppen. Apart from Ramillies, Eugene shared in Marlborough's great battles in the War of the Spanish Succession.

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  Marlborough at the Battle of Oudenaarde, 1708

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  Queen Anne by Michael Dahl

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  Marlborough and John Armstrong his chief engineer, possibly by Enoch Seeman. Depicted discussing the Siege of Bouchain.

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  John Vanbrugh's Blenheim Palace. Begun in 1705, but plagued by financial troubles, this "pile of stones", as the Duchess resentfully called it, was finally completed in 1733.

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  Marlborough by Enoch Seeman. This late portrait shows Marlborough during his retirement possibly 1716/17 after his stroke.

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  Resting place of the Duke and Duchess in the chapel at Blenheim Palace

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  Blenheim Column of Victory on the grounds of the Blenheim estate, Oxfordshire

See also

In Spanish: John Churchill, I duque de Marlborough para niños