A NEW discovery at Blenheim Palace has revealed some of the extraordinary payments made by Queen Anne.

Palace archivist, Dr Alexa Frost, found an 18th-century accounts book covering all the Queen's expenditure, including her supply of 'pocket-money' and 'charity-money'.

The accounts, which cover the years 1708 to 1711, were kept by the Queen's close friend Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, portrayed by Rachel Weisz in 2018 film The Favourite.

The pair's infamous falling out is documented in the film, which saw Olivia Colman win the Oscar for best actress at this year's Academy Awards.

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Dr Frost said: “For the first time the multi-million pound cost of running the court and the country was being accurately recorded and she even insisted on the queen personally signing off all the expenditures."

Among intriguing payments including £10 15 shillings, about £2,250 today, to the 'mad Spaniard'.

Meanwhile, on May 2, 1709, the Queen paid almost £50 for chocolate - roughly £11,000 in today's money.

On April 6, 1710, a similar amount was paid to a 'Mrs Devet' for tea.

Dr Frost said: “Chocolate had been the most fashionable female breakfast drink among the aristocracy before the introduction of tea and both were extremely costly but even taking that into account it does appear to be a large sum to pay."

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The accounts also cover one of the most pivotal moments in the deteriorating relationship between the Queen and Sarah, when the pair were heard to argue in public during a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The service celebrated the Duke of Marlborough’s, Sarah’s husband, victory over the French at the Battle of Oudenarde.

This public spat is believed to be one of the key points which signalled the end of their long friendship and led to Anne effectively banishing Sarah from Court.