Edward Villiers (1620–1689)
Sir Edward Villiers (April 1620 – July 1689) was an English Royalist soldier and courtier. Part of the powerful Villiers family, he was a friend of Edward Hyde, chief advisor to Charles I and Charles II from 1641 to 1668.
Sir Edward Villiers | |
|---|---|
Tynemouth Castle; Villiers served as Governor from 1662 to 1687 | |
| Governor, Tynemouth Castle | |
| In office 1662–1687 | |
| Knight Marshal | |
| In office 1681–1689 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 April 1620 (baptised) Brooksby, Leicestershire |
| Died | 2 July 1689 (aged 69) Richmond, Surrey |
| Resting place | Westminster Abbey |
| Nationality | English |
| Political party | Royalist |
| Spouse(s) | (1) Frances Howard (1646-1677) (2) Martha Love (1684-his death) |
| Children | Anne (1651-1688); Katherine (1652-1709); Barbara (1654-1708); Edward (1656–1711); Elizabeth (1657-1733); Mary (1670-1753); Henry (1677-1707); Henrietta (?- 1720) |
| Occupation | Soldier and courtier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | England |
| Years of service | 1640 to 1648 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Wars of the Three Kingdoms Edgehill; Siege of Reading; First Newbury; Naseby; Oxford |
He fought for the Royalists in the First English Civil War and went into exile from 1649 until 1652 when he returned to England. During the Interregnum, he was a member of the Sealed Knot, a Royalist conspiracy group which sought to restore Charles II to the throne.
After the Stuart Restoration in 1660, he received a number of minor offices; more significant were the positions held by his family within the Royal household. His wife was governess to the future queens Mary II and Anne, while three of his daughters accompanied Mary to the Dutch Republic when she married William of Orange in 1677. His eldest son later served both William and Anne as Lord Chamberlain.
Villiers supported the deposition of James II by William and Mary in November 1688 Glorious Revolution. He died in July 1689 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.