The First Churchills

The First Churchills

The lives of the Duke of Marlborough and his wife Sarah, from their meeting in 1673 to the duke's death in 1722.

Drama

Seasons

1. The Chaste Nymph

Air Date: 1969-09-27

At the court of Charles II, young John Churchill advances his career by serving the king’s bastard son, Monmouth, in the field of battle, and by bedding the king’s mistress, the Duchess of Cleveland. Young Sarah Jennings is also advancing at court, by befriending the king’s sister-in-law, the Duchess of York, and teaching the York princesses, Mary and Anne, the art of gambling. At a court masque, the two meet, and sparks fly.

2. Bridals

Air Date: 1969-10-04

In 1675 a masque was performed at the Court of Charles II at Whitehall. There the young soldier John Churchill, Groom of the Bedchamber to the King's brother, fell in love with a pretty lady-in-waiting, Sarah Jennings.

3. Plot Counter-Plot

Air Date: 1969-10-11

John and Sarah have married. Lord Shaftesbury has threatened Charles with rebellion. To appease his Protestant Parliament, Charles has arranged a marriage between Mary and the Prince of Orange.

4. The Lion and the Unicorn

Air Date: 1969-10-18

The rage against Popery in England continues. James, Duke of Monmouth, has become the protégé of Shaftesbury who plans to make him King. But Churchill has refused to support Monmouth. Charles has resisted all pressure to disinherit his brother James.

5. Rebellion

Air Date: 1969-10-25

Charles has been forced to send James into exile and to dissolve his factious parliament at Oxford. The Princess Anne has married George, Prince of Denmark, and has chosen Sarah to be one of her Ladies of the Bedchamber.

6. The Protestant Wind

Air Date: 1969-11-01

Monmouth, the hope of the Protestant rebels, was defeated by John Churchill at Sedgemoor.

7. Trial of Strength

Air Date: 1969-11-08

John Churchill owed much to James II. But the King was clearly determined to destroy the Protestant religion and the laws of England, so John decided to support William of Orange and the Revolution of 1688.

8. The Queens Command

Air Date: 1969-11-15

William III, with Churchill's help, has defeated James' attempted invasion of Ireland. John has been suspected of treason and dismissed from Court. Princess Anne has refused to obey her sister Mary and part with Sarah.

9. Reconciliation

Air Date: 1969-11-22

In an atmosphere of national panic John, falsely accused of Jacobite treachery, has been imprisoned for a time in the Tower. After Mary's death, William receives Anne at Court.

10. A Famous Victory

Air Date: 1969-11-29

Before he died William III recognised Marlborough as his successor in the task of defeating France. With the accession of Anne, John and Sarah have risen to a position of pre-eminence.

11. Breaking the Circle

Air Date: 1969-12-06

To save the Holy Roman Empire from French invasion Marlborough led his allied troops into Germany and defeated the French at the Battle of Blenheim.

12. Not Without Honour

Air Date: 1969-12-13

Marlborough continues his success in the war against France, but his prestige at home and with Anne has been impaired by the devious backstairs intrigue of Robert Harley.

Select an episode to start watching

Rating

6.3/10

Release Date

1969-09-27

Episodes

12 (1 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Susan Hampshire

Susan Hampshire

Sarah Churchill

John Neville

John Neville

John Churchill

John Standing

John Standing

Sidney Godolphin

Margaret Tyzack

Margaret Tyzack

Princess Anne

Alan Rowe

Alan Rowe

William, Prince of Orange

Roger Mutton

Roger Mutton

George of Denmark

John Ringham

John Ringham

Laurence Hyde

John Westbrook

John Westbrook

James, Duke of York

James Kerry

James Kerry

James, Duke of Monmouth

Production Companies

BBC

BBC