The first duke of Marlborough was John Churchill (1650-1722), whose military victories on the Continent earned him lasting fame. Queen Anne created him Duke of Marlborough and gave him Blenheim Palace. Later she became alienated from him, and the duke was out of favor until the ascension of George I, when he was restored to his former position.
Charles, the second duke, was also a military commander. The title has continued in the Churchill family, and although the dukes themselves have not been prominent in public life, the grandson of the fourth duke was Winston Churchill.
