Born on 25 March 1642, she was the eldest daughter of Robert Brudenell, who succeeded to the earldom of Cardigan as the second earl in 1663.

Her husband died of the injuries inflicted on him in the duel which was fought with swords at Barn Elms on 16 January 1668, and was commented upon by Samuel Pepys in his diary the next day.

[2] The sovereign, King Charles II, strongly disapproved of duelling within his realm and the duke temporarily fell out of royal favour as a result.

[4] For a time, the Duke of Buckingham kept Anna Maria as his mistress in his family home, where his wife, Mary, also resided.

Anna gave birth to his illegitimate son and created a scandal at court by having the boy baptised in Westminster Abbey.