Far removed from this original calling, others have gained high honours and distinction not only on the field of battle but also in the contemporary worlds of entertainment, sport and a number of other pursuits.
In the tumultuous seventeenth century Barbara Palmer, wife of Roger Palmer, 1st Earl of Castlemaine, and better known by her maiden name of Barbara Villiers, was one of the most favoured and notorious mistresses of Charles 11.
In contemporary times and in the world of music Robert Palmer, born in West Yorkshire in 1949, was the singer and songwriter whose international hits include the singles Addicted to Love and Simply Irresistible.
