Colonel William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire KG

William Cavendish was born on 25th Jan 1640 and after graduating at Oxford served in the Navy under the James, Duke of York, being present at the action against the Dutch in 1665. He served as MP for Derbyshire from 1661 to 1881. He inherited the title of Earl (the 5th) from his father in 1684 and retired to rebuild Chatsworth House which had been badly damaged in the Civil War of 1642-9. The imposing Palladian edifice which today attracts the public is the result of his personal taste and energy. He was one of the 7 signatories to the letter sent to William of Orange at the Hague inviting him to take over the government of Britain, replacing the Catholic King James II. He was married to Lady Mary Butler in 1662 and had 4 children. He was a womaniser but was described by Macauley in glowing terms: "..his magnificence, his taste, his talents, his classical learning, his high spirit, the grace and urbanity of his manners, were admitted even by his enemies." King William III directed him to raise a regiment of horse on 31st Dec 1688 and he attended the first parade. But thereafter he had little to do with the new regiment and he relinquished command in April 1690. However, the King rewarded him for his loyalty by elevating him to Duke. He became the 1st Duke of Devonshire in 1694. He died on 18th Aug 1707.

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