Gentleman of the Bedchamber was a title in the royal household of the Kingdom of England from the 11th century, later used also in the Kingdom of Great Britain. A Lord of the Bedchamber was a courtier in the Royal Household; the term being first used in 1718. The duties of the Lords and Gentleman of the Bedchamber originally consisted of assisting the monarch with dressing, waiting on him when he ate, guarding access to his bedchamber and closet and providing companionship. Such functions became less important over time, but provided proximity to the monarch; the holders were thus trusted confidants and often extremely powerful. The offices were in the gift of The Crown and were originally sworn by Royal Warrant directed to the Lord Chamberlain. This is an incomplete list of noblemen who have served as Lord of the Bedchamber or Gentleman of the Bedchamber: Description and functions There were always several holders of the office, who were invariably gentlemen and almost invariably peers, often important ones, as the regular access to the monarch which the role brought was the most valuable commodity of the courtier. The duties of the office involved waiting on the King when he ate in private, helping him to dress, guarding the bedchamber and water closet, and providing companionship. From 1660 the office of first gentleman of the bedchamber was invariably combined with that of Groom of the Stool. On average the number of Gentlemen varied around 12 but fluctuated from time to time. During the reign of James II there were only eight, and none were appointed during the reign of Queen Anne. Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to James I of England (1603–1625) 1607–1615: Robert Carr 1611–1625: Robert Carey 1612–?: Henry Gibb 1615–?: George Villiers (died 1628) 1622–1625: John Murray Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to Charles I of England (1625–1649) 1625–1640: James Erskine, 6th Earl of Buchan 1625–?: James Stewart 1625–1639: Robert Carey ?1625–? Richard Tichborne ?1625–? Gerard Fowke 1643–1649: Montagu Bertie 1647–1649: James Harrington Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to Charles II of England (1660–1685) 1650–1657 & 1661–1667 & 1667–1674: George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham 1652–1677: William Crofts, 1st Baron Crofts 1660– Sir John Granville (later Earl of Bath) (and Groom of the Stole) 1660–1679: Charles Gerard, 1st Earl of Macclesfield 1660–1665: Thomas Wentworth, 5th Baron Wentworth 1660–1673: John Maitland, 2nd Earl of Lauderdale 1660–1677: William Cavendish, 1st Marquess of Newcastle (Duke