Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Cleveland
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| Duchess of Cleveland Countess of Castlemaine |
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Portrait by Peter Lely
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| Born | Barbara Villiers 27 November 1640 (17 November Old Style) Parish of St. Margaret's, City and Liberty of Westminster, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 9 October 1709 (aged 68) Chiswick Mall, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse(s) | Roger Palmer, 1st Earl of Castlemaine |
| Issue | Anne Lennard, Countess of Sussex Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Cleveland Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton Charlotte Lee, Countess of Lichfield George FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Northumberland Barbara FitzRoy |
| Parents | William Villiers, 2nd Viscount Grandison Mary Bayning |
| Occupation | Lady of the Bedchamber |
Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland (born Barbara Villiers, 27 November 1640 – 9 October 1709) was an important and influential person in the court of King Charles II of England. She was known for her beauty and was often painted by famous artists like Sir Peter Lely. Her influence over King Charles II was so strong that some people called her "The Uncrowned Queen." Of her six children, five were recognized by the King as his own.
Contents
Who Was Barbara Palmer?
Barbara Villiers was born on 27 November 1640. Her father was William Villiers, 2nd Viscount Grandison. She grew up in a time of great change in England. She later married Roger Palmer, 1st Earl of Castlemaine.
Her Life at Court
Barbara became a significant figure at the royal court. She was appointed as a Lady of the Bedchamber. This was an important position, even though Queen Catherine and the King's chief advisor, Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, did not agree with her appointment.
Important Titles and Gifts
King Charles II gave Barbara many special honors and gifts. In June 1670, she was made Baroness Nonsuch. This title came from her ownership of Nonsuch Palace. She also briefly owned Phoenix Park in Dublin, which was a gift from the King.
She was also given the titles Countess of Castlemaine and Duchess of Cleveland in her own right. This was very unusual for a woman at that time. The dukedom was special because it could be passed down to her oldest son, Charles FitzRoy.
Later Life and Legacy
Barbara Palmer lived to be 68 years old. She passed away on 9 October 1709. She died at her home, Walpole House on Chiswick Mall, after suffering from a health condition called oedema, which caused swelling in her legs.
Barbara Palmer remains a famous figure in English history. She is remembered for her strong personality and her important role in the court of King Charles II.
Images for kids
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Portrait by Sir Peter Lely (c. 1666).
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Barbara Palmer circa 1705
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Barbara Palmer is often featured as a character in literature.
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See also
In Spanish: Barbara Villiers para niños
