Key military victory celebrated

Blenheim Palace was built in thanks for Marlborough's victory

The descendant of a British military hero is dressing as his ancestor for celebrations to mark the 300th anniversary of a key military victory.

The Battle of Blenheim saw John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, defeat the French army of Louis XIV on 13 August 1704.

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire was built by order of Queen Anne to thank Marlborough for his victory.

A series of events will take place on Friday to mark the anniversary.

Decisive victory

The public shows will include a mock battle, and air displays by the RAF Falcons parachute team, with money raised going to the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA).

Marlborough's victory was sealed at Blindheim in Germany - then known as Blenheim - and saved Vienna, and possibly England, from the prospect of a French invasion.

The decisive victory inflicted a first-ever defeat on Louis XIV and paved the way for three other great Marlborough battle successes between 1706 and 1709.

One hundred and seventy years later, his descendant Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace.