Katharine, Duchess of Buckingham (died 1649), Wife of 1st Duke of Buckingham

Sitter in 5 portraits
Born around 1603, Katharine Manners was the only surviving child of Francis Manners, 6th Earl of Rutland and his wife, Frances Knyvet, the daughter and heir of a rich Wiltshire gentleman. She inherited both her parents' fortunes and estates as well as the Barony of Ros. Wealthy and attractive, in 1620 she married George Villiers, Marquess (and later 1st Duke) of Buckingham. They had four children before Buckingham was assassinated in 1628, and a further child was born after he died. On his death she inherited an enormous fortune.