BUCKINGHAM DUKE OF: (1628-1687) George Villiers. English statesman and poet who served as one of the high councillors of King Charles II in the Cabal ministry. D.S. Buckingham, one page (vellum), 4to, n.p., 17^th January 1661. The manuscript document appoints Edward Freeman to be Buckingham's deputy steward and states, in part, 'Know All Men By these presents that I George Lord Duke Marquess and Earl of Buckingham, Earle of Coventry, Viscount Villiers, Baron Whaddon of Whaddon, Knight of ye most Noble Order of ye Garter…..For & in respect of ye trust and confidence I have in Edward Freeman of…..the county of Middlesex…..doe hereby constitute, nominate, make, ordeine him ye said Edward Freeman to be my deputie Steward…..'. With the original seal tag affixed. Some light age wear and a few very minor traces of former mounting to the verso, VG

King Charles II had reached London at the end of his exile on 29^th May 1660. He had been met by Buckingham on landing at Dover, but received coldly, perhaps not surprisingly in view of his vacillating loyalties during the Commonwealth, and his alliance with Thomas Fairfax, whose daughter, Mary, he had married. The Duke was however soon restored to favour and showered with lucrative offices, soon becoming perhaps the richest man in England. The present document therefore represents him as he began to establish full control over his restored estates.