Duke of Buckingham

A History of the Title

The title Duke of Buckingham has been created several times in the peerages of England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom. The first creation was in 1623, when King James I bestowed the title upon his favorite, George Villiers. Villiers was a powerful and divisive figure, and his tenure as Duke of Buckingham was marked by both controversy and success.

The First Duke of Buckingham

George Villiers, the first Duke of Buckingham, was born in 1592. He was the son of Sir George Villiers, a Leicestershire gentleman, and Mary Beaumont. Villiers caught the eye of King James I in 1614, and he quickly became one of the king's closest confidants. In 1617, Villiers was created Viscount Villiers and Earl of Buckingham. In 1623, he was elevated to the rank of Duke of Buckingham.

Villiers was a controversial figure. He was accused of being arrogant, ambitious, and corrupt. However, he was also a brilliant politician and diplomat. He played a key role in the negotiations that led to the end of the Thirty Years' War. He was also a patron of the arts, and he helped to found the Royal Society.

Villiers was assassinated in 1628 by John Felton, a disgruntled army officer. His death shocked the nation, and he was mourned by both his supporters and his detractors.