William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire
A wealthy, forceful Whig magnate who helped engineer the bloodless coup that permanently shifted power from the English crown to Parliament.
1640–1707 (age 67)·English politician·Birthday: January 25
Biography
William Cavendish signed the secret invitation that triggered the Glorious Revolution. In 1688, he was one of seven English nobles who urged William of Orange to invade England and depose King James II. The act was treason, punishable by death. Cavendish raised troops for William's cause. The successful revolution established a constitutional monarchy with remarkably little bloodshed. William III elevated him from Earl to Duke of Devonshire. Cavendish served as Lord Steward and used his fortune to begin building Chatsworth House into a palace. His political maneuvering and financial backing secured the Cavendish family as one of England's most enduring political forces.
#1 When William Was Born
The biggest hits of 1640
William's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1640Born
1645Started school
1653Became a teenager
1656Could drive
1658Could vote
1661Turned 21
1670Turned 30
1680Turned 40
1690Turned 50
1700Turned 60
1707Died at 67
Key Achievements
- Was a key signatory of the 'Immortal Seven' letter that invited William of Orange to take the English throne, triggering the Glorious Revolution.
- Was elevated from Earl to the first Duke of Devonshire in 1694 by King William III for his crucial support.
- Served as Lord Steward of the Household under King William and Queen Anne.
- Initiated the massive Baroque rebuilding of Chatsworth House, establishing it as the family's principal seat.
Did You Know?
He was fined a staggering £30,000 for scuffling with a fellow noble in the court of King Charles II.
His son and grandson both also served as Lord Steward, making the position almost a Cavendish family office for a time.
He was a patron of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, who once worked as a tutor for the Cavendish family.
“The King must be opposed, for the law and the liberties of Parliament are paramount.”
