Page "John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough" Paragraph 58

On 7 September 1701, the Treaty of the Second Grand Alliance was duly signed by England, the Emperor, and the Dutch Republic to thwart the ambitions of Louis XIV and stem Bourbon power.

However, William was not to see England's declaration of war.

On 8 March 1702 ( O. S.

) the King, already in a poor state of health, died from injuries sustained in a riding accident, leaving his sister-in-law, Anne, to be immediately proclaimed as his successor.

Although the King's death occasioned instant disarray amongst the coalition, Count Wratislaw was able to report that – " The greatest consolation in this confusion is that Marlborough is fully informed of the whole position and by reason of his credit with the Queen can do everything.

" This ' credit with the Queen ' also proved personally profitable to her long-standing friends.

Anxious to reward Marlborough for his diplomatic and martial skills in Ireland and on the Continent, Anne made him the Master-General of the Ordnance – an office he had long desired – a Knight of the Garter and Captain-General of her armies at home and abroad.

With Lady Marlborough's advancements as Groom of the Stole, Mistress of the Robes, and Keeper of the Privy Purse, the Marlboroughs, now at the height of their powers with the Queen, enjoyed a joint annual income of over £ 60, 000, and unrivalled influence at court.