Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl Of Godolphin

Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin, was born on 3 September 1678 in Whitehall, London. He was the only child of Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin, and Margaret Godolphin (née Blagge). Margaret died six days after his birth, on 9 September 1678. The writer John Evelyn, a close acquaintance of Margaret, took an active interest in young Francis’s education and wellbeing, overseeing his upbringing as he grew.

Godolphin was educated at Eton College and later attended King's College, Cambridge, where he earned an M.A. degree in 1705. His political career began early; he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Helston in the 1695 general election, at the age of 17. In subsequent years, he represented various constituencies, including East Looe, Oxfordshire, Penryn, and Tregony. He initially aligned with the Tory party but shifted his allegiance to the Whigs following his father's leadership in the administration in 1702.

His first official appointment was as joint registrar of the Court of Chancery from 29 June 1698 until 20 January 1727. He also served as one of the tellers of the Exchequer from 1699 to 1704. During parliamentary sessions, he supported various motions, including voting against the attainder of Sir John Fenwick in 1696 and supporting the motion for vindicating the Commons’ proceedings against Whig ministers in 1702. His political stance evolved, and he began supporting court policies, notably after 1702.

In 1704, with the backing of his father and the Duchess of Marlborough, he was appointed Cofferer of the Household, a position he held until 1711. He also held roles such as Lord Warden of the Stannaries, high steward of the Duchy of Cornwall, and rider and master forester of Dartmoor. He attempted to secure a parliamentary seat for Cambridge University in 1705 but was unsuccessful. After the 1708 election, he was returned as MP for Oxfordshire.

He was styled Viscount Rialton from 29 December 1706 until 1712. In 1710, he supported the impeachment of Dr. Henry Sacheverell and participated in votes on significant issues such as the 'No Peace Without Spain' motion in 1711. Upon his father’s death on 15 September 1712, he succeeded as the 2nd Earl of Godolphin, consequently vacating his seat in the House of Commons and moving to the House of Lords.

As a peer, he held various government and court positions, including Cofferer of the Household again from 1714 to 1723, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire from 1715 to 1735, and a privy counsellor from 1723. He was also Groom of the Stole and First Lord of the Bedchamber to George II from 1727 to 1735 and served as Governor of the Scilly Islands starting in 1733. In 1735, he was created Baron Godolphin of Helston in Cornwall, with special remainder to the heirs male of his uncle Dr. Henry Godolphin.

Throughout his career, Godolphin was involved in managing the patronage of the pocket borough of Helston, which elected his nominees to Parliament, and contributed to local improvements, such as rebuilding Helston Church in 1763. His interests included thoroughbred racing, owning the Godolphin Arabian, a notable foundational stallion.

He married Lady Henrietta Churchill in March 1698. She was the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and Sarah Jennings. She was created Duchess of Marlborough in her own right after her father's death in 1722 and died in 1733. The couple had two sons and four daughters, though two sons and a daughter predeceased him.

Francis Godolphin died on 17 January 1766 at his residence in St James's, London, and was buried in Kensington Church. His titles, including the earldom of Godolphin, became extinct due to lack of a male heir, with the peerage devolving on his cousin, Francis Godolphin, 2nd Baron Godolphin of Helston.