The Life of Marlborough : His Life and Times - v. 1

Marlborough, English general and statesman, was one of the greatest military commanders in history.

Under James II he crushed the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth (1685); during the Glorious Revolution he supported William III against James II but later fell out of favour with the new king.

Marlborough's power reached its zenith during the reign of Queen Anne.

Created duke in 1702, he was involved in many victories in the War of the Spanish Succession, including Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), Oudenarde (1708), and Malplaquet (1709).

His wife, Sarah Churchill, duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744), was a remarkable woman and a favourite of Queen Anne; she wielded great influence at court until she quarrelled with the Queen in 1705.

After her husband's death she supervised the building of Blenheim palace.