General John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, 1st Prince of Mindelheim, 1st Count of Nellenburg, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, KG, PC, was a British military and political personality. He served in the English court under five monarchs. Hailing from a gentry family, he acted as a page under James, then Duke of York. In the next two decades, he established himself in the court with military exploits and diplomatic acumen. In 1685, he played an important part in quashing the Monmouth Rebellion, clearing James’ path to the throne. However, he was also involved in the military conspiracy that resulted in James being overthrown during the Glorious Revolution. Although William III named him Earl of Marlborough, he continued to be labelled as a Jacobite and was briefly incarcerated in the Tower of London. Between May 1702 and August 1710, he served as the First Lord of the Treasury. He is one of the most celebrated generals in the history of Europe, having won decisive victories in a number of battles. Under his military leadership, Britain became one of the most powerful countries on the continent. Following the deterioration of the relationship between his wife and Queen Anne, Marlborough experienced his own fall in the court.