orig. George Villiers
born Aug. 28, 1592, Brooksby, Leicestershire, Eng.
died Aug. 23, 1628, Portsmouth, Hampshire
English courtier and politician.
Charming and handsome, he quickly became a royal favourite of James I and the future Charles I . He became lord high admiral in 1619 and was created a duke in 1623, but his arrogance and abuse of power made him highly unpopular. His erratic foreign policy led to a series of disasters, including failed military expeditions to Spain and France. A bill to impeach him was introduced in Parliament in 1626, prompting Charles to dissolve Parliament. When Buckingham was assassinated by a naval lieutenant, Londoners rejoiced.