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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Marlborough House
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(London SW1) Built by Wren in 1709–11 on the north side of St James's Park for Sarah, wife of the duke of *Marlborough. The French painter Louis Laguerre was employed to paint the murals of the duke's victories – Ramillies and Malplaquet on the stairs, Blenheim in the huge two-storey saloon. The land was leased to the duchess by Queen *Anne, and in 1817 the house reverted to the royal family. From 1863 it was the London home of the prince of Wales; and in the 20C two widowed queens, Alexandra and Mary, have lived there. In 1959 it was given to the government as a centre for various Commonwealth purposes.
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