Queen Anne

In her acclaimed biography, Anne Somerset explores the complex life of Queen Anne, who became Britain's last Stuart monarch and played a pivotal role in uniting England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain. Despite her physical struggles and personal tragedies, including numerous miscarriages, Anne’s reign saw notable military successes that established Britain's emerging power. Central to the narrative is her tumultuous friendship with Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, which oscillated between deep affection and intense conflict against a backdrop of political strife and religious tension. Utilizing a wealth of archival sources, Somerset illuminates a fascinating, often overlooked chapter of history and the intricate dynamics that defined Anne's reign.