John Churchill, Marquess Of Blandford

John Churchill, Marquess of Blandford (13 February 1686 – 20 February 1703), was an English nobleman and heir apparent to the dukedom of Marlborough. He was the only surviving son of John Churchill, who later became the 1st Duke of Marlborough, and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. His father was a notable military commander, and his mother was a close confidante of Queen Anne.

Born in February 1686, John Churchill was the youngest child of his parents, with an older brother named Charles, born in 1690, who died in 1692. His baptism occurred shortly after his birth, with Richard Talbot, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell, and Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin, serving as his godfathers. His early childhood details are scarce, reflecting limited historical records of his youth and the moderate prominence of his family at the time.

In December 1702, his father was elevated to the peerage as Duke of Marlborough in the English peerage, having previously been created Earl of Marlborough by William III and Mary II. This elevation conferred upon John Churchill the courtesy title of Marquess of Blandford as the heir apparent to the dukedom. At that moment, Blandford was the sole surviving son of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.

Regarding education, John Churchill was enrolled at Eton College in 1696, where he studied until 1700. Following his time at Eton, he attended King's College, Cambridge, beginning in 1700. During his education, he maintained a close relationship with his godfather, the Earl of Godolphin, often visiting him at Cambridge and traveling to Newmarket. Contemporary descriptions, such as that by Thomas Bruce, 2nd Earl of Ailesbury, characterized Blandford as "the finest young man that could be seen."

Thomas Bruce also noted Blandford's aspiration to pursue a military career similar to his father's. However, his mother was cautious about the dangers of warfare and prioritized ensuring the continuity of the family line through the male heir.

In early 1703, at the age of seventeen, Blandford contracted smallpox, which was a common and often fatal disease at the time. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and by 19 February, it was reported that his prognosis was hopeless. Queen Anne, who had experienced the loss of many children, sent her personal doctors to assist him. The Duchess of Marlborough was present at his bedside during his final days. Blandford died on 20 February 1703 at King's College, Cambridge. His death deeply affected his family; his father, the Duke of Marlborough, was recorded to be in profound grief. Subsequently, the Marlborough family moved to their country residence in St Albans to mourn. His tomb is located in King's College Chapel in Cambridge.