Barbara Villiers Collection

George Fitzroy, Duke of Northumberland, son of Charles II and Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, 1815
George Fitzroy, Duke of Northumberland, natural son of Charles II and Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland'. From From "Portraits of characters illustrious in British History from the beginning of

'Henry, Duke of Grafton, natural son of Charles II by the Duchess of Cleveland. Obit 1690'
Henry, Duke of Grafton, natural son of Charles II by the Duchess of Cleveland. Obit 1690'. From From "Portraits of characters illustrious in British History from the beginning of the reign

'Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, from an original drawing by Faithhorne; Obit 1709, 1814. Creator: Richard Earlom
Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, from an original drawing by Faithhorne; Obit 1709, 1814. From From "Portraits of characters illustrious in British History from the beginning of the reign of Henry

'Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland; Obit 1709, 1814. Creator: Robert Dunkarton
Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland; Obit 1709, 1814. From From "Portraits of characters illustrious in British History from the beginning of the reign of Henry the Eighth to the end of the reign of

Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine, formerly Barbara Villiers
6340195 Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine, formerly Barbara Villiers, notorious mistress to King Charles II, 1640-1709 by Wright

Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine, mistress of King Charles II (engraving)
6032244 Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine, mistress of King Charles II (engraving) by Lely, Peter (1618-80) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Barbara Villiers (1640-1709)

Henry Duke of Grafton (engraving)
961545 Henry Duke of Grafton (engraving) by English School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Henry Duke of Grafton (1663-1690)

Sarah Duchess of Marlborough and Lady Fitzharding (litho)
811325 Sarah Duchess of Marlborough and Lady Fitzharding (litho) by Kneller, Godfrey (1646-1723) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sarah Duchess of Marlborough and Lady Fitzharding)

Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, c. 1661-1665. Creators: Peter Lely
Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, c. 1661-1665

Barbara Villiers (1640-1709), Duchess of Cleveland. Creator: Workshop of Sir Peter Lely (British)
Barbara Villiers (1640-1709), Duchess of Cleveland. (after 1670)

The Dutchess of Cleaveland, 1680s. Creators: Isaac Beckett, John Smith
The Dutchess of Cleaveland, 1680s. Portrait of King Charles IIs mistress Barbara Palmer, (nee Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine (1640-1709)

Charles II and his court at the palace during the Plague of London, c1665-1666 (1890). From left to right: Lady Castlemaine, Charles II and Queen Catherine, attended by her Spanish duennas

Barbara Palmer (nee Villiers), 1st Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine (1640-1709), 1937
Barbara Palmer (nee Villiers), 1st Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine (1640-1709). Barbara Palmer was an English courtesan and the most famous of King Charles II of England mistresses

Barbara, Countless of Castlemaine, c1660s. Portrait of King Charles IIs mistress Barbara Palmer, (nee Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine (1640-1709)

Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine, c1660s. Artist: Peter Lely
Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine, c1660s. Portrait of King Charles IIs mistress Barbara Palmer (1640-1709), one of the ladies of the court

Barbara Palmer, Duchess of Cleveland, King Charles IIs mistress, (1907). Born Barbara Villiers (1640-1709), she married Roger Palmer, Earl of Castlemaine in 1659, and bore five children to Charles II

Barbara Villiers Duchess Cleveland Charles Thurston
Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland; Charles Thurston Thompson (English, 1816 - 1868); London, England; 1865; Albumen silver print

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Barbara Villiers, also known as Barbara Palmer, was a woman of great influence and notoriety during the reign of King Charles II. Born in 1640, she would go on to become the mistress of the king and hold titles such as Countess of Castlemaine and later Duchess of Cleveland. Her beauty and charm captivated Charles II, making her one of his most beloved mistresses. As depicted in engravings and lithographs from that era, Barbara Villiers exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. The portraits by renowned artist Peter Lely showcase her gracefulness and allure. Despite being married to Roger Palmer, Barbara's affair with the king was well-known throughout court circles. She wielded immense power over Charles II, even bearing him several children including Henry Duke of Grafton. Her influence extended beyond their relationship as she played a significant role in shaping political decisions during this time. However, Barbara's reputation was marred by scandalous affairs and extravagant lifestyle choices. She became synonymous with excesses at court which earned her both admiration and disdain from society. Yet despite these controversies surrounding her personal life, she remained a prominent figure within royal circles. In later years, Barbara's position waned as new mistresses entered Charles II's life. Sarah Duchess of Marlborough emerged as one such rival for his affections while Lady Fitzharding also vied for attention at court. Barbara Villiers lived through tumultuous times including the devastating Plague of London in 1665-1666 when she resided at the palace alongside Charles II. This period tested their relationship but ultimately did not diminish her standing within his inner circle. Even after their romantic involvement ended, Barbara retained her title as Duchess of Cleveland until her death in 1709. Her legacy endures through various artistic depictions that capture both her physical beauty and controversial persona. Alexander K MacDonald's portrait from 1937 immortalizes Barbara Palmer, showcasing her as a woman of power and allure.