The English courtier and military leader George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592-1628), greatly influenced kings James I and Charles I. His power was such that he virtually controlled the British government from 1618 to 1628.

George Villiers was born in 1592, the son of Sir George Villiers of Brooksby, Leicestershire. After the death of his father when the boy was 13, his mother had him learn the essential arts of the courtier--fencing and dancing-and sent him to France. Villiers returned to London in 1614, was introduced to King James I, and became cupbearer, a low member of the royal household. His rise to importance at court he owed to his good looks and bright personality and to the King's powerful, and probably homosexual, attraction to him.

In a short time Villiers became the dominant influence on the King. He gained the titles of Viscount Villiers and Baron Waddon in 1616 and Earl of...