Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Grafton

Henry Fitzroy (1663 - 1690), 1st Duke of Grafton, was the natural son of Charles II by Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine and Duchess of Cleveland.

In 1672 he was married to the daughter and heiress of Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington, and was created Earl of Euston; in 1675 he was created Duke of Grafton.

He was brought up as a sailor, and saw military service at the siege of Luxembourg in 1684. At James II's coronation he was Lord High Constable. In the rebellion of James, Duke of Monmouth he commanded the royal troops in Somerset; but later he acted with John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and joined William of Orange to overthrow the king in 1688.

He died of a wound received at the storming of Cork, while leading William's forces.

Preceded by: New Creation

Duke of Grafton

Followed by: Charles Fitzroy