Ravenous: A Life of Barbara Villiers, Charles II's Most Infamous Mistress

by Andrea Zuvich

Barbara Villiers was a woman so beautiful, so magnetic and so sexually attractive that she captured the hearts of many in Stuart-era Britain. Her beauty is legendary: she became the muse of artists such as Peter Lely, the inspiration of writers such as John Dryden and the lover of John Churchill, the future great military leader whom we also know as the 1st Duke of Marlborough. Her greatest amorous conquest was King Charles II, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with whom she had a tempestuous and passionate relationship for the better part of a decade. But this loveliest of Stuart-era ladies had a dark side. She hurt and humiliated her husband, Roger Palmer, for decades with her unashamedly adulterous lifestyle, she plotted the ruin of her enemies, constantly gambled away vast sums of money, is remembered for the destruction of the Tudor-era Nonsuch Palace, and was known to unleash terrible rages when crossed. Crassly lampooned by John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, and subjected to verbal and written assaults, she was physically abused by a later, violent spouse. Barbara lived through some of the most turbulent times in British history: civil war, the Great Plague of London, which saw the deaths of around 100,000 people, the Great Fire of London, which destroyed much of the medieval city, and foreign conflicts such as the Anglo-Dutch Wars, the Williamite wars, and the War of the Spanish Succession. An impoverished aristocrat who rose to become a wealthy countess and then a duchess, taking her lovers from all walks of life, Barbara laughed at the morals of her time and used her natural talents and her ruthless determination to the material benefit of herself and her numerous offspring. In great stately homes and castles such as Hampton Court Palace, her portraits are widely seen and appreciated even today. She had an insatiable appetite for life, love, riches, amusement, and power. She was simply ‘ravenous’…

Genres: History, Biography, 17th Century

256 pages, Hardcover

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

Andrea Zuvich (b. 1985) is an independent seventeenth-century historian and anthropologist specialising in the House of Stuart (1603-1714). Zuvich obtained degrees in History and Anthropology at the University of Central Florida and hosts the popular blog, 'The Seventeenth Century Lady'. An active user of X (formerly Twitter) since 2009 (as @17thCenturyLady) she created the well-received #StuartsSaturday hashtag, which was turned into a once-monthly live-streamed show: https://www.youtube.com/@17thCenturyLady

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/17thcentury...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/17thCenturyLady
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@17thcenturylady

Zuvich is also a historical consultant for TV, film, and radio (NTR Netherlands, BBC productions, BBC Radio 4). She most recently appeared in BBC Four's 'Charles I: Downfall of a King'. She has been a frequent contributor to various history magazines and has written for The Huffington Post UK, History Scotland, BBC History Extra, All About History, Britannia Magazine, and History of Royals.

She was one of the original developers of and leaders on the award-winning Garden History Tours at Kensington Palace and has written six books about the Stuart period, including 'A Year in the Life of Stuart Britain' and 'The Stuarts in 100 Facts'.

Zuvich is also a trained actress and professional voice-over artist, narrating audiobooks in various genres, and providing voice work for several mobile apps. Please visit her ACX page for more information: https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A1DL0F...

Please visit her site at www.17thcenturylady.com

Reviews

[Carolyn Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-researched book about the infamous Barbara Villiers and life in the latter half of 17th-Century England.

What an awful woman. I felt sorry for her poor husband Roger who endured being married to Barbara for so many years.

[Mark Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Charles II, or Restoration era, and Barbara Villiers rapidly comes to mind. Her notorious, scandalous, and fascinating life is so entwined with late 17th century history - both her character and career are at one with the Merry Monarch and his reign. Barbara Villiers was Ravenous. There's also no doubt she had an extremely eventful life, even after the death of her royal patron.
This sparkling biography guides us through Barbara's life and loves. Not only that, because she was on the periphery of key national events and politics, readers gain insights into these too, making it so much more than a biography. The meticulous research, honest appraisals, and entertaining snippets vividly bring the real Barbara back to life and her 69 years make a rollercoaster read. I loved this book and learned so much from it.

[Kate Cedras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, Barbara.

She was fascinating, notorious, beautiful and definitely lived an exciting life. I enjoyed reading and learning more about her life and how she lived it, her loves, and her impact and influence during that time period.

A well written non fiction read that I am so glad I had the opportunity to pick up (and not put down!).

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravenous: A Life of Barbara Villiers, Charles II's Most Infamous Mistress by Andrea Zuvich is a highly compelling, utterly fascinating read about a woman who defied every social convention in the immensely tumultuous Stuart Era to get everything she desired, using the desires of men as her primary weapon of choice

Barbara Villiers was most famous for being the lover of Charles II, however, her road to Royal courtesan is extensive, dark and deeply scandalous. Despite being married to Roger Palmer, Barbara Villiers used her looks and magnetism to commit countless acts of adultery, to become a muse, a lover and ultimately the mistress of a King.

Vindictive, spiteful, a gambler, both a victim and purveyor of violence and destruction, gluttonous for every piece of power, pleasure and riches she could get her hands on, Villiers defied convention and lived her life her way, even as soceity bore the brunt of the most tumultuous times in British history

Absolutely fascinating and very well written

Thank you to NetGalley, Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History and Andrea Zuvich for this highly compelling ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is coming several months later than I would’ve liked, but life got in the way and this book kept getting pushed aside. I’m so disappointed in myself for doing that though because this was an absolutely fascinating non-fiction read! Andrea Zuvich has crafted what I would argue is one of the most readable, engaging works of non-fiction I’ve read in months.

I had heard the name Barbara Villiers before, but I genuinely couldn’t tell you anything about her before reading this book. As someone who adores history (especially women’s history), I’m seriously shocked she hadn’t crossed my path before. Barbara was scandalous, wild, and captivating. She lived life with such a passion and boldness, that it honestly kind of made my introverted self a little tired to read about. I could not stop reading it though! I truly think I could’ve read another 100 pages of her escapades.

Zuvich is an incredibly gifted author, and I will most assuredly be reading more by her in the future.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Pen & Sword, and Andrea Zuvich for the free review copy in exchange for my review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this 3.5 out of 5.

I want to thank Pen & Sword Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Brief Summary: Barbara Villiers was a member of the extended and powerful Villiers family in Stuart England. Her life spanned the English Civil Wars to the reign of Queen Anne. However, she is known to history as mistress to King Charles II and a major political player in the Restoration Monarchy. Her volatile and complicated reputation was widely discussed in her lifetime and continues to intrigue history lovers today.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this book a great deal. It provided a clear and well-researched snapshot of Charles II's court. Every major political player appears throughout the book in relation to Villiers and the larger English political context. However, this book's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. Zuvich's exploration of the people and events happening around Villiars often overtakes the biographical nature of the work. Particularly in the later chapters of the book it feels as though Barbara has all but fallen off the face of the earth with how little she is mentioned in events. I am unsure if that is because Zuvich was focused on other things or because Villiers had fallen off everyone's radar. The diaries of Samuel Pepys are a large source used by Zuvich to discuss Villiers' movements during the earlier years of the Restoration. However, as time went on and Pepys became less infatuated with Villiers it seems likely that this source of information dried up.

There are only a few instances when primary sources directly from Villiers' hand, such as her letters are used throughout. Several court cases are also discussed but do not appear in great detail. At the end of the book, I am interested know why Zuvich used the sources she did.

Something else that I struggled with is the timeline. In quite a few places it felt as if we were moving backward or forward in time from something that had just been discussed. At various points, there was even a repetition of events which made it a little confusing because everyone had the same names at this period and it sometimes took a bit of backtracking to determine who was being discussed.

Zuvich painted a clear portrait of Villiers' personality as a triumph given that she was a woman in a period when women were not highly favoured, even noble women. I also enjoy that Zuvich leaned into Villiers' complex personality rather than trying to make her out to be a perfect person. This book embodies the quote, "I support women's rights, but more importantly I support women's wrongs".

Before reading this work I knew nothing about Barbara Villiers, except the few things I had heard from podcasts. This book is an important introduction to Villiers and Zuvich's love letter to the women of the Stuart court discussed. I would recommend it to those interested in learning more about: the Stuart monarchy, women's history, and general English history.

Content Warnings

Graphic description: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Classism

Moderate description: Child death, Miscarriage, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Pandemic/Epidemic

Minor description: Ableism and Lesbophobia

Two stories in this book were "What did I just read moments" which might be sensitive for some as they both have a sexual component.

First, there is an instance where Samuel Pepys is in a church where Barbara is and he appears to masturbate and then ejaculate. Now Zuvich does not use so many words to describe this event, but it's clear from the text that is what happened and is disturbing.

Second, there was a prominent church official's body that was discovered after the great fire of 1666 that was then displayed for people to come view. Someone (it is unclear from what is provided in the text although Zuvich suggests who it might have been) appears to have stolen the genitalia of the corpse. Worse still it is unclear if the genitalia was cut or bitten off.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland, Countess of Castlemaine (née Villiers, November 1640–9 October 1709),was the only child of the 2nd Viscount Grandison, a half-nephew of the 1st Duke of Buckingham, and of his wife Mary Bayning, co-heiress of the 1st Viscount Bayning.On 29 September 1643,her father died in the First English Civil War from a wound.He had spent his considerable fortune on the war; his widow and daughter were left in straitened circumstances. Shortly after his death,Barbara's mother remarried to Charles Villiers, 2nd Earl of Anglesey,her late husband's cousin.Tall,voluptuous,a brunette with slanting,heavy-lidded violet eyes,alabaster skin,and a sensuous,sulky mouth,Barbara Villiers was considered to be one of the most beautiful of the Royalist women,but her lack of fortune left her with reduced marriage prospects.Her first serious romance was with the 2nd Earl of Chesterfield, but he was after a rich wife.On 14 April 1659 she married Roger Palmer,a Roman Catholic,against his family's wishes.In 1660, Barbara became the King's mistress.The King created her husband Baron Limerick and Earl of Castlemaine in 1661.These titles were given with the stipulation that they would only be passed down through Roger's heirs by Barbara, and thus served as a way for the king to indirectly secure an inheritance for his illegitimate children.The two officially separated in 1662.At her height,she has been referred to as "The Uncrowned Queen" and she was known to assert her influence with the King over the actual Queen,Catherine of Braganza.Of her 6 children,5 were acknowledged by Charles as his.In June 1670,Charles created her Baroness Nonsuch (as she owned Nonsuch Palace).She was made Countess of Castlemaine and Duchess of Cleveland in her own right.Barbara was extravagant, promiscuous,and fiery.Her influence over the King waxed and waned throughout her tenure as royal mistress.She sought security through power and wealth.In 1705,Barbara remarried to Major-General Robert Fielding,but he was an abusive fortune-hunter and a bigamist.Barbara loved to be in love.She was audacious and offensive. She didn't care too much about what others thought of her.

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravenous: A Life of Barbara Villiers, Charles II's Most Infamous Mistress by Andrea Zuvich is an impeccably researched and compelling biography of one of the most infamous women of the Stuart era. Zuvich delves deep into the tumultuous life of Barbara Villiers, not just as the notorious lover of King Charles II, but as a woman who defied societal conventions with audacious ambition and hypnotic allure.
I have been looking forward to Ravenous ever since I heard that Ms. Zuvich was embarking on the project. Not for the faint-hearted, either in researching or writing about such a notorious woman, Ms Zuvich brings an incisive and scholarly approach to her subject, with superbly researched and documented references. Just as satisfying, her obvious passion for the era and understanding of the social environment creates a fast-paced and entertaining read, not above lingering over some of Barbara’s more salacious episodes.
Villiers’ rise from an impoverished aristocrat to one of the most powerful courtesans in British history is a story of ambition, intrigue, and scandal. Zuvich traces her numerous affairs, from her adulterous marriage to the long-suffering (but richly rewarded) Roger Palmer to her stormy, tumultuous relationship with Charles II. Villiers’ manipulation of her beauty and influence to secure power and wealth is explored in detail, showing her as a cunning and resourceful figure navigating a male-dominated society.
What sets this biography apart is Zuvich's thorough exploration of the historical context, painting a vivid backdrop of 17th-century Britain. Villiers lived through major events such as the English Civil War, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire of London, all of which Zuvich weaves seamlessly into the narrative, making this not only a biography of one woman but a portrait of an era.
Zuvich’s portrayal of Villiers is balanced, showing both her ruthless ambition and her vulnerabilities. Ravenous offers readers a richly detailed account of a woman who sought power at any cost, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate interplay of personal ambition and historical events. Highly recommend.

[Nick Artrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something about those Villiers…

I requested and received an eARC of Ravenous: A Life of Barbara Villiers, Charles II's Most Infamous Mistress by Andrea Zuvich via NetGalley. When I think of the Merry Monarch the first thing that comes to mind (aside from the particularly delicious Rufus Sewell in Charles II: The Power and the Passion) is sex! Mistresses! Uncontrollable lust! Zuvich’s book focuses on Barbara Palmer (née Barbara Villiers), 1st Duchess of Cleveland, Charles II’s longest, and perhaps most influential, mistress. Charles may have had the appetite of a king, but Barbara Villiers was ravenous!

The volume opens with a foreword by the lovely Gareth Russell as he invites us to discover Zuvich’s text which isn’t necessarily seeking to “rehabilitate” Barbara Villier’s image, but to give a more full understanding of her character and circumstances. This is something Zuvich certainly delivers in her book. She presents Barbara Villers’ life without judgment or without trying to sanctify her, instead offering a nuanced view of a complex and endlessly interesting woman. Perhaps this detail has escaped me from my other readings, but I thought it was fascinating that Barbara Villiers was so closely aligned with Henrietta Maria (who I am always eager to learn more about!) From beginning to end, this was a thoroughly entertaining look at a complicated woman who lived life on her own terms, occasionally to her detriment.

I also wanted to mention some technical aspects of this book that I found to be very delightful. Zuvich makes the most of her sources to create a captivating portrait of her subject. The tone is both academic and fun, inviting you to learn, while also allowing you to delight in the scandalous and occasionally absurd details that emerge (still obsessed with Barbara Villiers sending her Madonna & child portrait to a convent.) I enjoyed that there were so many chapters and that they never felt cumbersome or difficult to finish in one sitting. This allowed me to absorb the information while also encouraging me to press onwards.

[Stephen Ede-Borrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The depth of research in Andrea Zuvich’s biography of Barbara, Lady Castlemaine and Duchess of Cleveland is obvious from even the most cursory glance of the notes and bibliography of this book, and this results in perhaps the most detailed biography of the Duchess yet written – and it is going to be very hard to better!

Zuvich’s style makes this a wonderful read and there is a very definite sympathy, perhaps even liking, for her subject. Refreshingly Zuvich does not sidestep the sexual aspects of the Duchess, after all that is why Barbara Villiers (pronounced Villers we are told) rose to prominence in the first place, albeit something that it is frequently avoided in some of the (half-dozen or so) earlier biographies. But beyond this aspect Zuvich presents a very full picture of the Duchess, flaws included, to the point that you often want to have met the woman – although certainly not to have had her as an enemy!

My ONLY criticism of the book, is something certainly not the author’s control – the images would have been so much better in colour. Black and white images of the glorious Restoration era portraits lack some of the lustre of the original paintings.

However, for anyone with an interest in the post Restoration Stuart court and its people or wanting to understand the power that women could wield, albeit very indirectly, in late seventeenth century Europe, this book is a must.

A thoroughly recommended book.

[Claire Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to peek into a glamorous but gritty world of sex and corruption, you'd be well advised to read Ravenous! It's peppered with politics and personalities that sat at the heart of England in the 17th century, and the subject herself had one of the grandest seats there.

The book really captures what Barbara Villiers was all about and the way she had such a hold over not just a king but also numerous other men of influence. I was intrigued by the lesser-known details about her youth and her husband, and the whole biography is packed with facts and stories from deep in the archives. Andrea Zuvich is an expert in Stuart history, so I knew this would be good, but the breadth of the sources shows why. I'm really impressed by how much she's dug up in research. For this reason, the focus on Barbara's Restoration-era life brings more than the tales we know from Charles II biographies. Ravenous looks at Barbara as an individual, though it also explores some fascinating interrelationships, right up till her death. With her life continuing into the 18th century, there's a great collection of history here, and Zuvich puts the events of the day into context perfectly.

I also love her style. It's academic yet wonderfully entertaining and gives a real feel of the seductive character of Barbara. A great buy for researchers and readers.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravenous by Andrea Zuvich, this is a scandalous gossipy story of Barbara Villier, Charles the second’s most beloved mistress. Force to marry Young by her inatentive mother, she still married with a Secret lover in the shadows at a time where there were staunch morals. Barbra Villier Felt no qualms about being herself, herself being loud, sexual, independent and enticing to most men. Prince Charles would not be her last lover but the one she would go onto have five children with despite already being married. She lived an interesting life and seems to be the type of person that would be what they call a social media darling today. She was many different things to many different men but never could she be accused of faithfulness and a being a good mother the end of her life was just sad is the life she live. This was a very interesting book anyone who loves gossipy backstabbing and questionable people I just love history who would love this book. Books like this are the reason I am obsessed with the Stewart’s the tutors and the Victorians. #NetGalley, #PinAndSwordPress, #AndreaZuvich,#Ravish, #CharlesThe2, #Royalty,

[Melissa Stordahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the juiciest, most scandal-filled non-fiction books I've enjoyed! It's written in an academic style but also quite fun and entertaining, and sent me down several wikipedia rabbit holes as I learned about various aspects of courtly life and British history.

I wish there had been photography during Barbara Villier's lifetime, because I don't think the paintings of her do justice to the beauty that Zuvich writes of, the kind that caused men to be obsessed with her for years. Her most famous lover was of course Charles II; they had a passionate affair that went on for a decade and resulted in several children. Barbara openly took lovers from all walks of life, gambled voraciously, influenced politics, survived scandals that probably would have sent a lesser person off to exile in a convent.

There is so much interesting history in this book: politics, disease, violent revenge, the Great Fire of London. I didn't think it all flowed perfectly, but it had me reading passages out loud to my family, saying 'listen to this one!'

Thank you so much to Pen and Sword and Netgalley for this book!

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A legendary beauty in Stuart-era Britain, Barbara Villiers captivated kings and nobles alike with her stunning looks and magnetic personality. But behind her captivating exterior lay a complex woman who used her charm and determination to amass wealth and power, navigating a life of scandalous affairs, political intrigue, and personal turmoil amid the backdrop of tumultuous historical events.

This entertaining biography offers an informative look inside the court of Charles II. Barbara Villiers lifted herself from poverty and lived on her own terms, providing for her children and making her mark on the world.

Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Susan Abernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea’s research is meticulous, and she obviously went to great lengths to explore the archives to find intriguing nuggets about Barbara’s life. She also investigates and reports on all the many interrelationships between Barbara Villiers and numerous members of the Restoration Court. There is an extensive collection of illustrations in the book, documenting Barbara’s beauty throughout her life. The book is well written and well-researched. For anyone interested in the Barbara and various intrigues and dealings and interactions between courtiers of the Stuart Restoration court, I can highly recommend “Ravenous”.

To view full review: https://flhwnotesandreviews.com/2025/...

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

i came in not knowing a lot about barbara villiers aside that she was one of charles ii’s mistresses and that she was notorious (as famously recounted in “forever amber”). i came away with a great sense of who she was as a person + how her life relates to the politics of the times. she was indeed a fascinating - and not always likeable - woman, and i really appreciated the very balanced approach of the author to her subject. the reason why i haven’t given this book 5 stars is just because i felt the author could have gone into more detail in some subjects - i was curious about how she perceived her rivals, esp nell gwynn - but otherwise this is a perfect read.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully scandalous and extremely well-written. History lovers, gossip fanatics, and behind-the-scenes junkies should get a kick out of this one!

Thank you Netgalley and Pen & Sword for the digital ARC!

[Natalie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Stuarts book from Andrea Zuvich!
Truly in keeping with #KeepItStuart, Andrea brings to life one of the most beguiling and yes, ravenous characters from the whole of the 17th century.
Understanding Barbara Villiers is important in order to understand the Stuart era.

[Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biography of the “it girl” of the 1660s.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers – Pen & Sword and Pen & Sword History – for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

History is one of my greatest interests, and interesting women in history is a specific interest of mine. This book about Barbara Villiers was very interesting and I really enjoyed reading about her. The late 1600s is such a fascinating time in European history.

The book is full of contemporary accounts of both Barbara and the happenings around her which really gives something extra to the book. Having the actual accounts to reference gives this feel like you’re there witnessing the events.

Barbara Villiers lived an extraordinary life, and this books highlights her life and her drive to make a name for herself in the world.

[Shaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating and titillating historical read about the "ravenous", "scandalous", unapologetically sexual, and undoubtedly successful Barbara Villars. Author, Andrea Zuvich has infused these passions and characteristics of Barbara into the historical events of the day, bringing it all to life for the reader.

Barbara was quite the lady for her time! While many called her anything but a lady, she most certainly lived life on her terms and created a world for herself (and her children) in which she held so much power and influence, even at such an incredibly young age. She had King Charles II wrapped around her finger in all manners of court business, finance, politics, and even his marriage and other mistresses.

Almost all court and country drama surrounded Barbara. Newspapers, poets, and authors couldn't write enough about her, men wanted to be with her, and women wanted to look and dress like her. Not to say she didn't have her enemies, she had many. But it seems as though Barbara has the last laugh on them all, as her bloodline carries on even today through Prince William, Prince of Wales as one of her and King Charles II's descendants.

Thank you to #netgalley, #andreazuvich, #harpercollinspublishers, and #pen&swordbooks for an ARC.