“No soldier can fight unless he is properly fed on beef and beer.”

Ambitious, ruthless, genius, treacherous: these are all words used to describe John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and they are all correct. He was one of the most controversial men of his age, but few doubt he was also one of the greatest generals of all time. Royal patronage made him commander of the Anglo-Dutch armies, though he was also cast out of Court and even imprisoned. Yet he always bounced back. A master of intrigue, he switched his allegiance numerous times but always fought on behalf of the English people. An inspirational leader and a master organizer, he overcame his enemies through the use of bold tactics combined with perfect timing.