Conclusion: Marlborough's reputation

Summary

For all effective purposes Marlborough's dismissal by Anne ended his active career. He spent his period in exile in almost continuous but futile and unproductive intrigue, aimed at bringing down the Tory administration at almost any cost. But that ministry self-destructed in Anne's very last days, and Marlborough (who was travelling back and arrived in England on the day after she died) contributed little to the smooth and unopposed accession of George I. George restored him to the office of captain-general, and he did supervise the suppression of the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, but his former assistant Cadogan actually directed the operations. In May 1716 Marlborough suffered a disabling stroke, with a second in November. After this he lived in retirement, becoming increasingly isolated by the incessant and bitter quarrels that Sarah provoked with almost everyone near to them – surviving daughters, sons-in-law, former army and political colleagues and, not least, John Vanbrugh the architect of Blenheim Palace – until he died on 16 June 1722.

It has been said that the careers of almost all great public servants end in failure because they do not know when to retire gracefully but cling on to the power and influence which they have come to love as they acquire and use it, and after they have outlived their usefulness. This was particularly true of Marlborough's contemporaries. William III died unmourned in England. Godolphin had become a discredited captive of the Whigs when he lost office.