Buckingham

George Villiers, Duke of (1592-1628), a British court favorite. He was a native of Leicestershire. He came of an old Norman family and was educated, especially in the manual of arms, in France. James I made him a companion of his son, afterward Charles I, and promoted him rapidly. In two years' time he rose to be knight, gentleman of the bedchamber, baron, viscount, marquis of Buckingham, and lord high admiral. Through his influence with the king and the heir he became the power behind the throne. Social standing, appointment to office, pensions, and preferments of all kinds were dependent on this conscienceless scamp, much to the distaste of the nation. He was graceful in person and could be affable or insolent in bearing,--a hypocrite or a profligate in practice, as suited his ends. For a picture of the audacious Steenie, as he was affectionately called by King James, the reader is referred to Scott's The Fortunes of Nigel.

Buckingham traveled in disguise with Charles, and intrigued in the arrangements for his marriage with the Princess Henrietta Maria of France. During the wars that followed with France and Spain he proved his own incapacity for public office. He was assassinated by a lieutenant of the army. His son of the same name came into public notice in the reign of Charles II, and lived a life even more shameless than that of the father. Names more unworthy or worthless are not found in the pages of English history. The site of the city home of the family is now occupied by Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the king. It is an imposing, three-story structure, with long wings. It has a frontage of 360 feet on St. James Park. There are the usual throne room, where young ladies are presented, state rooms, galleries, and private apartments.