Join us for an afternoon of talks from leading authors and academics discussing the glittering and eventful life of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. One of the most famous figures of early 17th century Europe, Villiers was born at Brooksby Hall near Melton Mowbray and became the 'favourite' of King James VI/I. Speakers are Lucy Hughes-Hallett, prizewinning biographer and author of 'The Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham; Karen Hearne, FSA, Honorary Professor, University College London and previously Curator of 16th & 17th century British Art at Tate; Jon Sleigh, learning curator and author of 'What Are Museums For?; Maria Hayward, Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Southampton and Megan Shaw, University of Auckland.