village of Germany, in the circle of Suzbia, situated in E. Long. 2. 30. N. Lat. 48. 40. This village is remarkable for the defeat of the French and Bavarians in 1704, by the English and their confederates under prince Eugene and the duke of Marlborough. In this engagement the French army consisted of 82 battalions and 160 squadrons, while that of the confederates did not exceed 64 battalions and 152 squadrons. The right wing of the French army was commanded by Monf. Tallard; the elector, and count Marfin, were on the left. Tallard was esteemed an active, penetrating officer, and a man of genius; Marfin's merit consisted rather in his experience and application, than in his resources from the efforts of genius. In the village of Blenheim were posted 20 battalions and 12 squadrons, from a presumption that there the confederates would make their chief attack. Accordingly, at noon, the village was furiously attacked by a body of English supported by another of Hessians; but the French behaved with such bravery, that they repulsed their enemies in three successive attempts. Part of the centre and right wing of the confederates then advanced; but were so vigorously opposed by the French horse, and so miserably galled in the flank by the troops posted in the village of Blenheim, that they were obliged to retreat with precipitation: but in the meantime the French cavalry, being attacked by the left wing of the confederates, were forced to retreat in their turn, though commanded by Tallard in person, who rallied them three times. The infantry were disordered by the falling back of the cavalry; and being unsupported, gave way to the vigorous efforts of their enemies. Marlborough pushed between the battalions placed in Blenheim and the wing of the army commanded by Tallard; and thus the army was separated and almost surrounded; for prince Eugene had succeeded in his fourth attempt, and driven the French and Bavarians out of the village. All was now in confusion; and Tallard, being short-sighted, mistook a squadron of the enemy for his own, and was taken prisoner. The troops who had been posted in the village being driven out by prince Eugene, and then finding it impossible to escape, being hemmed in on the other side by the duke of Marlborough, were forced to surrender prisoners of war, while the rest of the army fled in the utmost confusion and consternation. Vast numbers threw themselves into the Danube, infomuch that in that river the greater part of 30 squadrons perished. Ten thousand were left dead on the field; 13,000 made prisoners; 100 pieces of cannon, 22 mortars, and upwards of 100 pair of colours, were taken; besides near 200 standards, 17 pair of kettle-drums, upwards of 3000 tents, 34 coaches, 300 loaded mules, two bridges of boats, and all the French baggage, with their military chest. This was the most terrible defeat the French had for a long time sustained: Monf. Tallard was blamed for detaching too many troops to Blenheim, in consequence of which Marlborough pierced the centre, and divided the army in two; also for suffering the confederates to pass a rivulet, and form quietly on the other side. These accusations, however, seem but weakly founded; and the victory is undoubtedly to be ascribed to the superior valour of the confederate troops and genius of their commanders, rather than to any material blunders of the French generals.

Blenheim-House, a noble and princely house erected in honour of the duke of Marlborough at Woodstock near Oxford, which with the manor of Woodstock is settled on the duke and his heirs, in consideration of the eminent services by him performed for the public; and for building of which house the sum of L. 500,000 was granted by parliament, &c.