1611 Society Lecture 2025 - Lucy Hughes-Hallett
The Handsomest Man in Europe: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham
Tuesday 25th March 2025
Award-winning biographer Lucy Hughes-Hallett tells the story of the dazzling George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, who was the beloved favourite of King James I and first minister to his son Charles I.
Buckingham was a celebrated dancer in court masques, one of the first great art-collectors in England, and - in the eyes of Parliament - the 'cause of all our miseries". He stood at the centre of a great political drama which saw strong men weeping in the Commons Chamber- the tussle between two kings defending their royal prerogative, and Parliamentarians struggling to protect citizen's legal rights. His contemporaries called him a meteor, because he rose so far and so fast, and because, like a meteor, he fell, assassinated at the age of 36.
5.30pm - Doors open
6pm - Lecture in the Great Chamber + Q&A
Post-lecture drinks in the Old Library until 8pm
A glass of wine or soft drink is included in the price of a ticket
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The Handsomest Man in Europe: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham
Tuesday 25th March 2025
Award-winning biographer Lucy Hughes-Hallett tells the story of the dazzling George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, who was the beloved favourite of King James I and first minister to his son Charles I.
Buckingham was a celebrated dancer in court masques, one of the first great art-collectors in England, and - in the eyes of Parliament - the 'cause of all our miseries". He stood at the centre of a great political drama which saw strong men weeping in the Commons Chamber- the tussle between two kings defending their royal prerogative, and Parliamentarians struggling to protect citizen's legal rights. His contemporaries called him a meteor, because he rose so far and so fast, and because, like a meteor, he fell, assassinated at the age of 36.
5.30pm - Doors open
6pm - Lecture in the Great Chamber + Q&A
Post-lecture drinks in the Old Library until 8pm
A glass of wine or soft drink is included in the price of a ticket
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