Barbara Villiers

Barbara Villiers (Lady Castlemaine) (1641-1709), the first official and at the same time one of the most important mistresses of Charles II. She was known as a political entity and especially known for her hatred against Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon. Her delight about his downfall (1667) is recorded in Samuel Pepys' diary. In 1670 she was created countess of Southampton and duchess of Cleveland. In 1671, however, she had been supplanted at court by Louise de Querouaille, duchess of Portsmouth. Barbara Villiers bore Charles three sons and either one or two daughters.

“Barbara Villiers”. Free Online Encyclopedia. 20. Jul. 2009 <http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Barbara_Villiers,_duchess_of_Cleveland>

“Barbara Villiers”. 2009, Dictionary.com. 20. Jul. 2009 <http://www.reference.com/browse/duchess>