New Sky Original drama Mary & George takes us inside the political intrigues and personal relationships that shaped the court of James VI and I. We examine the key players on screen and what\u2019s known about their real lives\u2026 <\/p>
Yes, Mary and George Villiers<\/a> were real historical figures, and the drama Mary and George<\/em> is largely based on the true story of this mother-and-son duo.<\/p>\n In 1603, when James VI<\/a> of Scotland succeeded Elizabeth I<\/a> as ruler of England, he brought with him many Scottish courtiers who proceeded to pack the royal court.<\/p>\n English courtiers worried about the lack of English influence in the king\u2019s inner circle, and \u2013 knowing the king\u2019s preference for the company of young, attractive men<\/a> \u2013 conspired to place George Villiers in the king\u2019s path.<\/p>\n With this backing, and the help of his mother Mary Villiers<\/a>, by 1614\/15 the real George Villiers had succeeded in catching the king\u2019s eye, and was cemented as the king\u2019s favourite for the next decade until James\u2019s death in 1625, reaching unprecedented highs of courtly power.<\/p>\n