Marl borough, JOHN

CHURCH ILL, 1650-1722. English general, of pre-eminent military genius but despicable character. He rose as a courtier of the Duke of York (James II.), and became Baron 1682-85, and Earl and Lieut.-gen. 1689, after deserting his master, but was dismi ed 1692 on charges of treason to William III. Anne's acce ion brought him to the front; he was made Duke 1702, and gained a series of brilliant victories from Blenheim, 1704, to Malplaquet, 1709, but was again dismi ed 1712, on a charge of peculation. George I. took him into high favor 1714. His wife, SARAH JENNINGS, 1660-1744, was Anne's bosom friend till 1711, and left £3,000,000. Marlitt, E. See JOHN, EUGENIA.