History Extra podcast George Villiers: from royal favourite to enemy number one
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Feb 3, 2025 Lucy Hughes-Hallett, author of 'The Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham', dives into the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of George Villiers, a dazzling figure in King James I's court. They discuss Villiers' charm and political ambitions, revealing the complex bond he shared with the king and the societal jealousy that ultimately turned public sentiment against him. The conversation also touches on his awkward diplomatic endeavor in Spain and his significant impact on the arts during the Jacobean era.
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Carr's Downfall
- King James I favored young men, notably Robert Carr, who rose to become Earl of Somerset.
- Carr's downfall involved a sensational murder plot with his wife, involving witchcraft and poisoned custard tarts.
Villiers' Introduction
- Villiers was strategically introduced to the lonely King James I by ultra-Protestant grandees.
- They hoped to manipulate Villiers to influence foreign policy, specifically to incite war with Spain.
Villiers' Courtly Prowess
- Villiers was renowned for his beauty, dancing skills, and fashionable attire.
- He excelled in court masks, symbolic performances where his dancing prowess contributed to his political influence.
