Duke of Marlborough (title) facts for kids

The entrance of Blenheim Palace.

The Duke of Marlborough is a special title in England. It was created in 1702 by Queen Anne for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. The name of this title comes from Marlborough in Wiltshire.

This dukedom is unique. It's the only one in England, Great Britain, or the United Kingdom that can be passed down to a woman. It can also pass through a woman's family line. The family has always been involved in important government matters, known as politics. They are also famous for their amazing home, Blenheim Palace. This palace is 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?

The title of Duke of Marlborough has been held by several important people over the years. Here is a list of those who have held this special title:

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

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

Images for kids

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  Burial place of most Dukes and Duchesses of Marlborough in the chapel at Blenheim Palace.

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  John Churchill, Marquess of Blandford (1686–1703)

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  The 1st Duke of Marlborough's genealogy

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  Arms of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, with quarterings representing his estates in Germany

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  Simple arms of the Spencer Dukes of Marlborough before they changed their name to "Spencer-Churchill" and took the modern arms

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  Arms of George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough

See also

In Spanish: Ducado de Marlborough para niños