Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of Sunderland
Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of Sunderland, was an English nobleman and politician of the Spencer family. An able and gifted statesman, his caustic temper and belief in absolute monarchy nevertheless made him numerous enemies. He was forced to flee England in 1688, but later established himself with the new regime after the Glorious Revolution of that year. Subsequently, he took on a more disinterested role as an adviser to the Crown, seeking neither office nor favour. He evinced no party loyalty, but was devoted to his country's interests, as he saw them. By the notoriously lax standards of the Restoration Court, his private life was remarkably free from scandal, which won him favour in the more sober post-Revolution state.
Robert Spencer, Second Earl of Sunderland
Sunderland in Classical Dress, by Carlo Maratta
Anne, Countess of Sunderland
The Spencer family is an aristocratic family in the United Kingdom. From the 16th century, its members have held numerous titles, including the dukedom of Marlborough, the earldoms of Sunderland and Spencer, and the Churchill barony. Two prominent members of the family during the 20th century were Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Seal of Henry Le Despenser
John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer, by Thomas Gainsborough
Hon, John Spencer, (not to be confused with the 1st Earl Spencer), his only son, and their servant Caesar Shaw.
Simple arms of the Spencer Dukes of Marlborough before they changed their name to "Spencer-Churchill" and took the modern arms.