George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, 19th Baron de Ros (30 January, 1628-16 April, 1687) was an English poet and politician who wielded immense power during his lifetime.
Fun Facts about: George Villiers, 2 Duke of Buckingham:
1. George Villiers was born to English aristocracy. His father, the 1st Duke of Buckingham, was a favorite of James I and Charles I. When George was 7 months old, his father was assassinated and the young boy grew up in the household of Charles I, along with his younger brother, Francis, and the king’s children including future monarchs Charles II and James II.
2. The young Duke got a degree in Master of Arts from Trinity College, Cambridge. He was even taught geometry the great English philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
3. During the English Civil War, Villiers joined Charles II in France while in exile. He returned to England in 1657 after he and the King stopped agreeing.
4. Eventually, George Villiers supported the reinstatement of the Stuart Monarchy. He was imprisoned by Charles II several times before becoming one of his most influential advisors.
5. Even though the two childhood friends, who often referred to each other as brothers, were back in favor, George Villiers was barred from high office by the Chancellor, Edward Hyde.
6. The Duke of Buckingham became the steward of the University of Oxford in 1672, but his tenure was full of scandals and intrigues. Most notable was an affair he had with the Countess of Shrewsbury which evolved into a duel with her husband. George Villiers won and installed “a widow of his own creation” in his household while sending his wife to her father’s house.
7. He retired when James Il ascended to the throne. He was in poor health and poor fortunes as well. In 1865 he published a pamphlet by the titled A short Discourse on the Reasonableness of Man’s having a Religion, in which he preached his favorite subject-religious toleration.
8. This pamphlet proved to be very controversial, including such luminaries as William Penn and… The 2nd Duke of Buckingham.
Yes, he defended his own pamphlet with another called The Duke of Buckingham’s Letter to the unknown author of a short answer to the Duke of Buckingham’s Paper.
9. He wrote poems, pamphlets, satires, and plays which were first published in 1704. One of his more popular satires was The Rehearsal, in which he makes fun of the heroic drama.
10. George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, 19th Baron de Ros died in his home from a chill caught while going on a hunt. He was buried with “great splendor” at Westminster Abbey. Since he had no children, this great and influential family line ended upon his death.
Zohar — Man of la Book
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Sources:
George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham | Wikipedia
George Villiers, 2nd duke of Buckingham : Courtier, Royal Favourite, Statesman | Britannica
George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham 1628-1687 | The History Guide
