Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Marlborough
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Portrait of Henrietta Godolphin
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| In office 16 June 1722 – 24 October 1733 |
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| Preceded by | John Churchill |
| Succeeded by | Charles Spencer |
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| Born |
Henrietta Churchill
19 July 1681 |
| Died | 24 October 1733 (aged 52) Harrow, Middlesex, Great Britain |
| Resting place | Westminster Abbey |
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Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough (born July 19, 1681 – died October 24, 1733), was an important noblewoman in Great Britain. She was the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, a famous general, and Sarah Jennings, who was a close friend and advisor to Queen Anne. Henrietta is known for being one of the few women of her time to inherit a major ducal title in her own right.
Her Changing Titles
Henrietta was born as Henrietta Churchill. Her name and titles changed several times during her life due to her father's growing honors and her marriage.
- When her father became a Scottish Lord in 1682, she was known as The Hon. Henrietta Churchill.
- In 1689, her father was made the Earl of Marlborough, and she became Lady Henrietta Churchill.
- In March 1698, she married Francis Godolphin. After her marriage, she was called Lady Henrietta Godolphin.
- In 1706, her father-in-law became the Earl of Godolphin, and she became Viscountess Rialton.
- When her husband became the 2nd Earl of Godolphin in 1712, she was known as Countess of Godolphin.
Becoming Duchess of Marlborough
In 1706, a special law was passed by the English parliament. This law allowed the daughters of the 1st Duke of Marlborough to inherit his English titles. This was quite unusual for the time, as titles usually passed only to sons.
When her father, the 1st Duke, passed away in 1722, Henrietta became the Duchess of Marlborough in her own right. This meant she held the title directly, not just through her husband.
Her Family
Henrietta and her husband, Lord Godolphin, had five children:
- William Godolphin, Marquess of Blandford (around 1700–1731). He married Maria Catherina de Jong but did not have any children.
- Lord Henry Godolphin (born around 1700).
- Lady Henrietta Godolphin (1701–1776). She married the 1st Duke of Newcastle but did not have any children.
- Lady Margaret Godolphin (born around 1703).
- Lady Mary Godolphin (1723–1764). She married the 4th Duke of Leeds and had children.
Later Life and Legacy
The Duchess Henrietta died in 1733 at the age of 52 in Harrow, Middlesex. She was buried on November 9, 1733, in Westminster Abbey, a very important church in London. After her death, her titles passed to her nephew, the 5th Earl of Sunderland.
