Sarah Churchill

Née Sarah Jennings (1660-1744).

Sarah Jennings came from a gentry family just like her husband, John Churchill, whom she married in 1677. She went down in history as one of the most influential women for the close friendship she enjoyed with Queen Anne, which was the main "source of [the Marlborough's] power" (Barnett 139).

The two women met for the first time in 1673 when Sarah was appointed a maid of honour to the then Dutchess of York, Mary of Modena at the age of thirteen. From that point in time, a close friendship developed, which became stronger as the two grew older. They referred to each other by names of merchants; Sarah being 'Mrs Freeman' and Anne 'Mrs Morley' (Jerrold 295).

Sarah became a dominant figure in the Princess's life being the one Anne leaned on for support and political guidance and thus exerting powerful influence. She was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to Anne after Anne's marriage to Prince George of Denmark in 1683. Six years later, under Sarah's orders, the Princess demanded a parliamentary annuity of £50,000 to gain financial independence from the joint monarchs William and Mary. By canvassing among the politicians, Sarah got a parliamentary consent for her. The height of Sarah's influence was achieved when Anne became Queen of Great Britain in 1702 and appointed her Mistress of the Robes, Groom of the Stole, Keeper of the Privy Purse. John Churchill became Master General and Duke of Marlborough.

However, Sarah's power and influence over the Queen decreased when she, as a supporter of the Whigs, "set out to convert the Queen [,in sympathy with the core sentiments of the Tories,] to her own enlightened views" (Barnett 139). In doing so, Sarah had shown a cold, disrespectful, and insulting attitude towards Queen Anne, which in the end led to her dismissal from office in 1711. Abigail Masham, Sarah's cousin, became the new favourite. From that moment on, these former best friends never reached reconciliation. Until her death in 1744, Sarah Jennings dedicated the rest of her life to and superintended the building of Blenheim Palace.

Sources:

Barnett, Correlli. Marlborough. Eyre Methuen Limited, 1974.

Jerrold, Douglas William, ed. "Belles of England: Duchess of Marlborough". The Illuminated Magazine, vol 2: November to April, 1844, pp. 294-296.