(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.
This is the complete article, containing 102 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
View More Summaries on George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham
