1702–1703

The third chapter traces the beginning of the partnership through the first year of Queen Anne’s reign, as Marlborough persuades Godolphin to return to office as Lord Treasurer and his ministerial partner, with the declared aim of ‘moderation’, that is, holding the balance between the Tories and Whigs on the basis of their support of the war. The role of Queen Anne’s husband Prince George is examined and Marlborough’s and Godolphin’s separate roles are explored, along with the significance of their extensive correspondence. Marlborough is unexpectedly successful in his first campaign, but his determination to obtain a grant from Parliament to support his dukedom jeopardizes Godolphin’s project for war-supply, and their rival Rochester contests control of the Treasury and therefore the war. Marlborough forces Rochester’s resignation and the partnership is confirmed when Marlborough’s only son dies shortly before he leaves for the Continent and he adopts Godolphin’s son as his heir.