Duke of Buckingham facts for kids
The Duke of Buckingham was a special title given to important people in England. This title was created several times over many years. It was linked to the town of Buckingham. Sometimes, the title was even bigger, like "Duke of Buckingham and Normanby" or "Duke of Buckingham and Chandos."
There were also other related titles, like Earls of Buckingham and Marquesses of Buckingham. These were all different levels of nobility, with a Duke being the highest.
History of the Dukes of Buckingham
First Dukes: The Stafford Family (1444)
The first time someone was made Duke of Buckingham was in 1444. This was Humphrey Stafford. His family had been important for a long time. His grandfather was made a Baron in 1299, and his father became an Earl in 1351.
Humphrey Stafford's mother was Anne of Gloucester, who was the daughter of Thomas of Woodstock, a son of King Edward III. This made Humphrey very well-connected to the royal family. He was a strong supporter of the House of Lancaster during the Wars of the Roses. Sadly, he died in a battle in 1460.
His grandson, Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, became the next Duke. He helped Richard III become king in 1483. But then, Henry led a rebellion against Richard and was put to death that same year. His titles were taken away.
However, Henry's son, Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, got the title back when Henry VII became king in 1485. But Edward also faced trouble. He was accused of going against King Henry VIII's chief advisor, Thomas Wolsey. Edward was put to death in 1521, and the title of Duke of Buckingham ended for this family.
Second Dukes: The Villiers Family (1623)
The title of Duke of Buckingham was created again in 1623. This time, it was for George Villiers. He was a very close friend and advisor to King James I. Before becoming a Duke, he had received other titles like Baron, Viscount, Earl, and Marquess.
George Villiers continued to be a top advisor when James I's son, Charles I, became king. He was in charge of important decisions, including wars with Spain and France. In 1628, he was killed by an unhappy army officer.
His son, George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, became the next Duke. He was an important advisor to King Charles II. He was also known for starting the first foxhunt in England in 1668. He died in 1687, and with his death, the title of Duke of Buckingham ended again.
Many other people from the Villiers family also received noble titles.
Third Dukes: Buckingham and Normanby (1703)
The third time the dukedom was created was in 1703. This time, the full title was Duke of Buckingham and Normanby. It was given to John Sheffield. He was a well-known politician who worked for Queen Anne.
His family came from Sir Edmund Sheffield, who became a Baron in 1547. The family's main home was Buckingham House. This house was later bought by King George IV in 1761 and became the famous Buckingham Palace we know today.
When the 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Normanby died in 1735, these titles also ended.
Fourth Dukes: Buckingham and Chandos (1822)
The fourth and last time the dukedom was created was in 1822. This title was Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. It was given to Richard Temple-Grenville. He was a wealthy landowner and politician.
His father, George Nugent Temple Grenville, had been made a Marquess in 1784. George's father was George Grenville, who had been a Prime Minister.
The 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos married Lady Anne Eliza Brydges. Her family had held the title of Duke of Chandos, which had ended. Because of this marriage, the new dukedom included "Chandos" in its name.
After the 1st Duke died in 1839, his son, Richard, became the 2nd Duke. When the 2nd Duke died in 1861, his son became the 3rd Duke.
The 3rd Duke was also an important politician. He served as a top government official. When he died in 1889, he did not have any sons. So, the title of Duke of Buckingham and Chandos ended for good. Other related titles passed to his daughters or other family members.
Who Held the Titles?
Dukes of Buckingham (First Creation: 1444)
- Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1402–1460)
- Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (1455–1483)
- Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham (1477–1521)
Dukes of Buckingham (Second Creation: 1623)
- George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592–1628)
- George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (1628–1687)
Dukes of Buckingham and Normanby (Third Creation: 1703)
- John Sheffield, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Normanby (1648–1721)
- Edmund Sheffield, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Normanby (1716–1735)
Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos (Fourth Creation: 1822)
- Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1776–1839)
- Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1797–1861)
- Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1823–1889)
See also
In Spanish: Ducado de Buckingham para niños
- Duchess of Buckingham
- Earl of Anglesey (1623 creation)
- Viscount Purbeck
- Earl of Jersey
- Earl of Clarendon (1776 creation)
