Silver Centrepiece
The silver centrepiece was made in 1846 for the 6th Duke by Garrad’s of London. It is sterling silver and weighs around 110lbs.
It depicts the 1st Duke in the aftermath of the Battle of Blenheim still sitting astride his horse and writing a note home to his wife, Sarah, to inform her of his victory (the Blenheim Dispatch).
There is a story that during their unhappy marriage Consuelo liked to have the centrepiece on the table at meal times so she did not have to look at, or talk to, the 9th Duke while they ate.
