Godolphin, Sidney (1645–1712)

English politician who was an unscrupulous intriguer, but a capable administrator and whose masterly control over the finances did much to secure the success of the Duke of Marlborough's continental campaigns. He was created an earl in 1706.

He was born at Godolphin Hall, near Helston, Cornwall. In 1679 he was appointed a commissioner of the Treasury. He became first commissioner in 1684, when he was raised to the peerage. On the accession of James II Godolphin was appointed chamberlain to the Queen, but he returned to the Treasury in 1686, and continued to support James to the end of his reign. William III, however, retained him in office until 1696 when he was forced into retirement because of revelations involving him in the Assassination Plot. In 1700 he was once more reinstated, and on the accession of Anne in 1702 became lord high treasurer, an office which he held until 1710, when he was summarily dismissed.