Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin 1678-1766

Paternal Family Tree: Godolphin

On 16th May 1675 [his father] Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin [aged 29] and [his mother] Margaret Blagge [aged 22] were married.

John Evelyn's Diary. 3rd September 1678. I went to London, to dine with [his mother] Mrs. Godolphin [aged 26], and found her in labor; she was brought to bed of a son, who was baptized in the chamber, by the name of Francis, the susceptors being [his uncle] Sir William Godolphin [aged 38] (head of the family), Mr. John Hervey [aged 62], Treasurer to the Queen, and [his aunt] Mrs. Boscawen [aged 35], sister to Sir William and the father [aged 33].

On 3rd September 1678 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin was born to Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin [aged 33] and Margaret Blagge [aged 26] at Whitehall Palace [Map]. His mother died six days later.

On 9th September 1678 [his mother] Margaret Blagge [aged 26] died in childbirth at Whitehall Palace [Map]. She was buried at St Breage's Church, Breage.

John Evelyn's Diary. 16th October 1678. [his father] Mr. Godolphin [aged 33] requested me to continue the trust his [his mother] wife [deceased] had reposed in me, in behalf of his little son, conjuring me to transfer the friendship I had for his dear wife, on him and his.

Around 1680 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 1] educated at Eton College [Map].

On 31st August 1684 [his father] Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin [aged 39] was created 1st Baron Godolphin of Rialton in Cornwall.

John Evelyn's Diary. 15th August 1685. Came to visite us Mr. Boscawen [aged 57] with my Lord Godolphin's [aged 40] little son [aged 6], with whose education hither his father had intrusted me.

In March 1698 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 19] and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 16] were married. She the daughter of John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 47] and Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 37]. He the son of Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin [aged 52] and Margaret Blagge.

Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'

This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.

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John Evelyn's Diary. 8th June 1698. I went to congratulate the marriage of Mr. Godolphin [aged 19] with the [his father-in-law] Earl of Marlborough's [aged 48] [his wife] daughter [aged 16].

Around 1700 [his son] Henry Godolphin was born to Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 21] and [his wife] Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 18].

In 1700 [his son] William Godolphin was born to Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 21] and [his wife] Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 18]. He married 25th April 1729 Catherina de Jong Jong.

John Evelyn's Diary. 17th November 1700. There was a change of great officers at Court. Lord Godolphin [aged 22] returned to his former station of first Commissioner of the Treasury; Sir Charles Hedges [aged 50], Secretary of State.

Before 2nd December 1700 Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland [aged 25] and [his sister-in-law] Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland [aged 17] were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 50] and [his mother-in-law] Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 40]. He the son of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 59] and Anne Digby Countess Sunderland [aged 54].

In 1701 [his daughter] Henrietta Godolphin Duchess Newcastle under Lyne was born to Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 22] and [his wife] Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 19]. She married 2nd April 1717 Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne, son of Thomas Pelham 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton and Grace Holles.

On 1st December 1701 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 23] was elected MP East Looe.

On 4th February 1702 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 23] was elected MP Helston.

On 28th September 1702 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland [aged 61] died at Althorp House, Northamptonshire [Map]. His son Charles [aged 27] succeeded 3rd Earl of Sunderland, 5th Baron Spencer Wormleighton. [his sister-in-law] Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland [aged 19] by marriage Countess of Sunderland.

John Evelyn's Diary. 1st December 1702. After the excess of honor conferred by the Queen [aged 37] on the [his father-in-law] Earl of Marlborough [aged 52], by making him a Knight of the Garter and a Duke, for the success of but one campaign, that he should desire £5,000 a year to be settled on him by Parliament out of the Post Office, was thought a bold and unadvised request, as he had, besides his own considerable estate, above £30,000 a year in places and employments, with £50,000 at interest. He had married one [his wife] daughter [aged 21] to the son [aged 24] of my Lord Treasurer Godolphin [aged 57], another [aged 19] to the Earl of Sunderland [aged 27], and a third [aged 15] to the Earl of Bridgewater [aged 21]. He is a very handsome person, well-spoken and affable, and supports his want of acquired knowledge by keeping good company.

Around 1703 [his daughter] Margaret Godolphin was born to Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 24] and [his wife] Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 21].

Memoires of Jacques du Clercq

This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.

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On 9th February 1703 Scroop Egerton 1st Duke Bridgewater [aged 21] and [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Churchill Countess Bridgewater [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Countess Bridgewater. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 52] and [his mother-in-law] Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 42]. He the son of John Egerton 3rd Earl Bridgewater and Jane Paulet Countess Bridgewater [aged 47].

In 1705 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 26] was awarded Master of Arts at King's College, Cambridge University [Map].

In 1705 John Montagu 2nd Duke Montagu [aged 15] and [his sister-in-law] Mary Churchill Duchess of Montagu [aged 15] were married. She the daughter of [his father-in-law] John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 54] and [his mother-in-law] Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough [aged 44]. He the son of Ralph Montagu 1st Duke Montagu [aged 66] and Elizabeth Wriothesley Countess Northumberland. They were third cousins.

In December 1706 [his father] Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin [aged 61] was created 1st Earl Godolphin, 1st Viscount Rialton.

In 1708 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 29] was elected MP Oxfordshire.

On 9th March 1709 Ralph Montagu 1st Duke Montagu [aged 70] died. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. His son John [aged 19] succeeded 2nd Duke Montagu, 4th Baron Montagu of Boughton in Northamptonshire. [his sister-in-law] Mary Churchill Duchess of Montagu [aged 19] by marriage Duchess Montagu.

In 1710 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 31] was elected MP Tregony.

On 15th September 1712 [his father] Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin [aged 67] died. His son Francis [aged 34] succeeded 2nd Earl Godolphin, 2nd Viscount Rialton, 2nd Baron Godolphin of Rialton in Cornwall. [his wife] Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 31] by marriage Countess Godolphin.

On 22nd March 1714 [his sister-in-law] Elizabeth Churchill Countess Bridgewater [aged 27] died. She was buried at St Peter and St Paul Church, Little Gaddesden on 29th March 1714.

On 15th April 1716 [his sister-in-law] Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland [aged 33] died.

On 2nd April 1717 [his son-in-law] Thomas Pelham Holles 1st Duke Newcastle-under-Lyne [aged 23] and Henrietta Godolphin Duchess Newcastle under Lyne [aged 16] were married. She by marriage Duchess Newcastle under Lyme. She the daughter of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 38] and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 35].

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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On 16th June 1722 [his father-in-law] John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough [aged 72] died at Cranbourne Lodge, Windsor. His daughter [his wife] Henrietta [aged 40] succeeded 2nd Duchess Marlborough, 2nd Marchioness of Blandford, 2nd Countess of Marlborough, 2nd Baroness Churchill of Sandridge in Hertfordshire. Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 43] by marriage Duke Marlborough.

On 26th May 1723 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 44] was appointed Privy Council.

Around 1725 Johnathan "The Elder" Richardson [aged 57]. Portrait of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 46].

On 25th April 1729 William Godolphin [aged 29] and Catherina de Jong Jong were married. He the son of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 50] and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough [aged 47].

1730. Joseph Highmore [aged 37]. Portrait of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 51].

On 24th August 1731 [his son] William Godolphin [aged 31] died at Balliol College, Oxford University.

On 18th April 1733 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 54] was appointed Governor of the Scilly Isles.

On 23rd January 1735 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 56] was created 1st Baron Godolphin of Helston in Cornwall with a special remainder to heirs male of his uncle Henry Godolphin.

On 14th May 1735 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 56] was appointed Lord Privy Seal.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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On 26th June 1740 [his son-in-law] Thomas Osborne 4th Duke Leeds [aged 26] and Mary Godolphin Duchess Leeds were married. She by marriage Duchess Leeds. She the daughter of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 61] and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough. He the son of Peregrine Osborne 3rd Duke Leeds and Elizabeth Harley.

In 1764 [his daughter] Mary Godolphin Duchess Leeds died.

On 17th January 1766 Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin [aged 87] died. Earl Godolphin, Viscount Rialton, Baron Godolphin of Rialton in Cornwall extinct. His first cousin Francis [aged 59] succeeded 2nd Baron Godolphin of Helston in Cornwall.

[his daughter] Mary Godolphin Duchess Leeds was born to Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin and Henrietta Churchill 2nd Duchess of Marlborough. She married 26th June 1740 Thomas Osborne 4th Duke Leeds, son of Peregrine Osborne 3rd Duke Leeds and Elizabeth Harley, and had issue.

Royal Ancestors of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin 1678-1766

Kings Wessex: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 16 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 22 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 17 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings Godwinson: Great x 19 Grand Son of King Harold II of England

Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 15 Grand Son of King William I of Scotland

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Son of King Philip IV of France

Kings Duke Aquitaine: Great x 23 Grand Son of Ranulf I Duke Aquitaine

Kings Spain: Great x 15 Grand Son of Alfonso VII King Castile VII King Leon

Ancestors of Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin 1678-1766

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Godolphin

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Godolphin

Great x 2 Grandfather: Francis Godolphin

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Godolphin

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Killigrew

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Killigrew

Grandfather: Francis Godolphin

Father: Sidney Godolphin 1st Earl Godolphin 8 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Berkeley of Stoke Gifford 8 x Great Grandson of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 9 x Great Grandson of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Coningsby

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Berkeley 10 x Great Grandson of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy 8 x Great Grandson of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Blount 9 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Keble Baroness Mountjoy

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Berkeley of Bruton 8 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Lygon 8 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Lygon 9 x Great Grandson of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Greville

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Lygon 7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Denys

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Denys 6 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Berkeley 5 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward I of England

Grandmother: Dorothy Berkeley 7 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Neville 3 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Neville 4 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Windsor Baroness Scrope Masham 8 x Great Granddaughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Neville of Billingbear 5 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Gresham

Great x 3 Grandmother: Frances aka Elizabeth Gresham

Great x 4 Grandmother: Frances Thwaytes

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Neville 6 x Great Granddaughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Killigrew

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Killigrew

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Killigrew 11 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Anthony Cooke

Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Cooke 10 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Fitzwilliam 9 x Great Granddaughter of King John of England

Francis Godolphin 2nd Earl Godolphin 9 x Great Grandson of King Edward III of England

Grandfather: Thomas Blagge

Mother: Margaret Blagge

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry North of Mildenhall, Suffolk

Great x 1 Grandfather: Roger North of Mildenhall

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Knevit

Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Knevit

Grandmother: Mary North

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Gilbert of Great Finborow, Suffolk

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Gilbert