George Villiers, the 1st Duke of Buckingham, was blessed by his wit, charm, and "angelic face". He was born a poor nobleman, his first office being only a cup-bearer to the King. However, he quickly rose to be James' favorite and trusted advisor. George was given the title of the Duke of Buckingham, created for him by James, and given the estate of Howick Hall. George knew his position was tenuous and did his best to surround himself with friendly faces, getting many of his family members elevated to the peerage. George was very good at internal policy and very bad at foreign policy. He reformed much of the English Monarchy's treasury, wardrobe, household, and admiralty, making it much more economical. However, he rapidly lost popularity, eventually becoming impeached, when he ruined an important political marriage and led a disastrous military attempt at La Rochelle (mentioned in the latter part of Dumas' The Three Musketeers). |