George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham

George Villiers, the son of the 1st Duke of Buckingham, was born in London on 30th January 1628. After the assassination of his father he was brought up in the family of Charles I.

On the outbreak of the Civil War he joined the Cavaliers. In 1648 he escaped to Scotland with Charles II and went into exile.

During the Commonwealth Buckingham returned secretly to the daughter of General Thomas Fairfax. At the Restoration he had his estates restored and joined the court of Charles II.

Buckingham was an influential figure in the government and won a long-drawn battle with the Earl of Clarendon. He also developed a reputation for debauchery and in 1667 took part in a duel the Earl of Shrewsbury.

George Villiers, the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, died of liver and heart disease on 16th April 1687.