VILLIERS, GEORGE, Duke of Buckingham, was the third son of Sir George Villiers. He was born at Brookesby in Leicestershire, August 20, 1582. His handsome person and pleasing manners gained him the favour of James I., who in 1615 created him a knight, with a pension of £1,000 a year. From this time his promotion was rapid, and his influence with King James unbounded; after whose death he continued as great a favourite with his son. But for his transactions, which are matter of history, we refer to the article BRITAIN. He was assassinated at Portsmouth by Lieutenant Felton, August 23, 1628.