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Lot Essay
Tradition has it that this tankard is connected with the Spencer Churchill family. While there is no direct evidence to prove this there is certainly a precedent for massive Victorian silver connected to the family in the form of a massive set of four silver-gilt cups with the arms of John Winston Spencer Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough (Christie's, London, 30 November 2006, lot 609).
John Winston Spencer Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough was born at Garbolisham Hall, Norfolk. He was the eldest son of George Spencer Churchill, 6th Duke of Marlborough and his first wife, Lady Jane Steward (d.1844), daughter of George, 8th Earl of Galloway. Educated at Eton and Oriel College, Oxford he went on to become MP for Woodstock in 1844, only to resign a year later over a disagreement about a grant to Maynooth College, though he was re-elected in 1847. He variously served as Lord Steward of the Household and Privy councillor and later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
He married Lady Frances Anne Emily, eldest daughter of Charles William Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry in 1843. Together they had two sons and six daughters. He died in 1883 at his London home and was buried in the private chapel at Blenheim and was succeeded by his son George Charles as 8th Duke.
John Winston Spencer Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough was born at Garbolisham Hall, Norfolk. He was the eldest son of George Spencer Churchill, 6th Duke of Marlborough and his first wife, Lady Jane Steward (d.1844), daughter of George, 8th Earl of Galloway. Educated at Eton and Oriel College, Oxford he went on to become MP for Woodstock in 1844, only to resign a year later over a disagreement about a grant to Maynooth College, though he was re-elected in 1847. He variously served as Lord Steward of the Household and Privy councillor and later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
He married Lady Frances Anne Emily, eldest daughter of Charles William Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry in 1843. Together they had two sons and six daughters. He died in 1883 at his London home and was buried in the private chapel at Blenheim and was succeeded by his son George Charles as 8th Duke.