Episodes
1. The Chaste Nymph
September 27, 1969
50 min
At the court of Charles II, young John Churchill advances his career by serving the king’s bastard son, Monmouth, in the field of battle, and by bedding the king’s mistress, the Duchess of Cleveland. Young Sarah Jennings is also advancing at court, by befriending the king’s sister-in-law, the Duchess of York, and teaching the York princesses, Mary and Anne, the art of gambling. At a court masque, the two meet, and sparks fly.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, John Ringham
2. Bridals
October 4, 1969
50 min
In 1675 a masque was performed at the Court of Charles II at Whitehall. There the young soldier John Churchill, Groom of the Bedchamber to the King's brother, fell in love with a pretty lady-in-waiting, Sarah Jennings.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, John Ringham
3. Plot Counter-Plot
October 11, 1969
50 min
John and Sarah have married. Lord Shaftesbury has threatened Charles with rebellion. To appease his Protestant Parliament, Charles has arranged a marriage between Mary and the Prince of Orange.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson
4. The Lion and the Unicorn
October 18, 1969
50 min
The rage against Popery in England continues. James, Duke of Monmouth, has become the protégé of Shaftesbury who plans to make him King. But Churchill has refused to support Monmouth. Charles has resisted all pressure to disinherit his brother James.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton, John Ringham
5. Rebellion
October 25, 1969
50 min
Charles has been forced to send James into exile and to dissolve his factious parliament at Oxford. The Princess Anne has married George, Prince of Denmark, and has chosen Sarah to be one of her Ladies of the Bedchamber.
Guest Stars:
Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton, John Ringham
6. The Protestant Wind
November 1, 1969
50 min
Monmouth, the hope of the Protestant rebels, was defeated by John Churchill at Sedgemoor.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton, John Ringham
7. Trial of Strength
November 8, 1969
50 min
John Churchill owed much to James II. But the King was clearly determined to destroy the Protestant religion and the laws of England, so John decided to support William of Orange and the Revolution of 1688.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton
8. The Queens Command
November 15, 1969
50 min
William III, with Churchill's help, has defeated James' attempted invasion of Ireland. John has been suspected of treason and dismissed from Court. Princess Anne has refused to obey her sister Mary and part with Sarah.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton, John Ringham
9. Reconciliation
November 22, 1969
50 min
In an atmosphere of national panic John, falsely accused of Jacobite treachery, has been imprisoned for a time in the Tower. After Mary's death, William receives Anne at Court.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton, John Ringham
10. A Famous Victory
November 29, 1969
50 min
Before he died William III recognised Marlborough as his successor in the task of defeating France. With the accession of Anne, John and Sarah have risen to a position of pre-eminence.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton, John Ringham
11. Breaking the Circle
December 6, 1969
50 min
To save the Holy Roman Empire from French invasion Marlborough led his allied troops into Germany and defeated the French at the Battle of Blenheim.
Guest Stars:
Robert Robinson, Margaret Tyzack, Roger Mutton