Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Grafton KG


Henry Fitzroy was the second illegitimate son of Charles II and Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland. He was eventually recognised officially and became the most popular and able of Charles's sons. He was born on 20th Sept 1663 in Cork. He married Isabella daughter and heiress of the Earl of Arlington. His marriage created him Earl of Euston. Three years later he was created Duke of Grafton. He was invested as a Knight of the Garter in 1680, he is wearing the robes of the Garter in this portrait. He was brought up as a sailor but he commanded the royal troops during the Monmouth Rebellion and was Colonel of the 1st Guards, twice, in 1681 and 1688. He served under Marlborough and William of Orange. Whilst serving in Ireland he was so severely wounded at the siege of Cork that he died, on 9th Oct 1690 at the age of 27.


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by Stephen Luscombe