William Congreve
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William Congreve was an English playwright, satirist and poet. He played a major role in shaping English comedy, and is often regarded by literary critics as one of the greatest playwrights of the Res
Portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller, c. 1709
William Congreve blue plaque
Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough was the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, general of the army, and Sarah Jennings, Duchess of Marlborough, close friend and business
William Congreve
…for his friendships with prominent actresses and noblewomen for whom he wrote major parts in all his plays. These women included Anne Bracegirdle and Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough, daughter of the famous general, John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Congreve and Henrietta most probably met some time before 1703 and the duchess…
Portrait of Henrietta Godolphin
The family of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. From left to right: The Duke of Marlborough, Elizabeth, Mary, The Duchess of Marlborough, Henrietta, Anne and John.