The History of the Dukes of Marlborough
Blenheim Place was built as a gift from the nation to the 1st Duke of Marlborough. He successfully led the forces of a European Alliance against the French in the War of Spanish Succession. At Blindheim on 13th August 1704 he achieved a great victory. This victory as Winston Churchill wrote in his history of the 1st Duke, changed the political axis of power in the world. Marlborough had prevented the complete dominance of Europe by France. It was for this that Queen Anne and a grateful nation built him his great house. This was a family home and in particular a monument to his achievement and to the Stuart dynasty.
Had long been in the service of the Crown before this great military campaign.
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2ND DUCHESS
Marlborough’s eldest daughter Henrietta inherited the title on her father’s death.
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Lived at Blenheim occasionally preferring to live at Langley..
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First Duke to live exclusively at Blenheim Palace.
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Spent vast sums of money on the gardens buying rare plants and flowers.
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Order that all his documents be destroyed after his death.
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An upright Victorian, he brought more stability to the Palace.
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Disposed of several major parts of the Blenheim Collection.
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9TH DUKE
Solved the problem of lack of funds by marrying an American heiress.
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Opened the Palace to tourists in 1950.
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Has devoted his life to the preservation of the Palace.
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