The story of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and his wife Sarah, which has been dramtised for television, is a romantic and exciting story in its own right; but it is also of tremendous historical interest. Although these 'First Churchills' were not in fact quite the first, it was they who brought the family to the forefront of social and political life; their brilliant career becomes even more significant when we consider it in the context of the family history.

Of course, Sir Winston Churchill, a much later decendant made more impact on history than any other in the family, but John was a brilliant general who never lost a battle and a key political figure through the reigns of no less than five British monarchs, and his excellence resulted in him being given the palace of Blenheim at Woodstock in gratitude of his victories over the French.

The series covers the personal relationship and love between John Churchill and Sarah Jennings, played by John Neville and Susan Hampshire respectively. Others appearing in the series are Margaret Tysack (I Claudius and Quatermass), Richard Pearson, and John Standing.

Principal Cast
Susan Hampshire	Sarah Jennings
John Neville	John Churchill

Complete Series VHS Vol 1 VHS Vol 2 VHS

The entire series is available over two double videos from Acorn Media, or can be bought from choices direct using the links to the left.

I would like to thank Roger Bickerton for his help in researching this page.