Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, née Sarah Jennings (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.

Related Topics:
May 29 - 1660 - October 18 - 1744 - Queen Anne

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Sarah Jennings was born in Holywell, Hertfordshire, England in 1660, the daughter of Richard Jennings and Frances Thornhurst. Sarah's friendship with Anne came about some time after 1673, when she and her sister Frances joined the household of the Duke of York (later to be King James II) and befriended his younger daughter; Anne was a few years Sarah's junior. They called one another by pet names, Sarah being "Mrs Freeman" and Anne "Mrs Morley". In 1677, Sarah married John Churchill, later to be created Duke of Marlborough, and they made a glittering couple. Churchill, though he had supported James, also had a role in bringing William of Orange to the British throne and was rewarded with an earldom.

Related Topics:
Hertfordshire - 1673 - Frances - King James II - 1677 - John Churchill - William of Orange

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Following Anne's accession to the throne, Sarah was made Mistress of the Robes and Keeper of the Privy Purse. She exercised great personal and political influence. However, the introduction into Anne's household of a politically aware rival, Sarah's own cousin, Abigail Masham, the relationship between the queen and her old friend deteriorated greatly. In 1711, both Sarah and her husband fell out of royal favor. Anne's death in 1714 restored their fortunes, but the Duke died in 1722 and never saw the completion of Blenheim Palace, the house built for him by a grateful nation. It was left to Sarah to oversee the remaining work, and she was often in conflict with the architect, Sir John Vanbrugh.

Related Topics:
Mistress of the Robes - Keeper of the Privy Purse - Abigail Masham - 1711 - 1714 - 1722 - Blenheim Palace - Sir John Vanbrugh

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Close links with the Royal Family remained. In a move which anticipated the life of Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), Sarah sought to marry off her granddaughter Lady Diana Spencer (1710-1735), to Frederick, Prince of Wales. The Duchess remained friendly with the prince and his family, however, even after this plan had failed.

Related Topics:
Diana, Princess of Wales - Lady Diana Spencer - Frederick, Prince of Wales

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