john churchill, 1st duke of marlborough (26 may 1650 – 16 june 1722) was an important english soldier and statesman. he lived through the rules of five monarchs through the late 17th and early 18th centuries. rising from a lowly page at the court of the house of stuart, he faithfully served the duke of york through the 1670s and early 1680s. this gave him military and political advancement through his brave, clever skill. churchill helped secure james on the throne.