Blanche Cavendish, Countess of Burlington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess of Burlington
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| Personal details | |
| Born | Hon. Blanche Georgiana Howard 11 January 1812 |
| Died | 27 April 1840 (aged 28) Westhill Park near Wantage, Oxfordshire, England |
| Resting place | St Peter's Church, Edensor |
| Spouse | |
| Children | William Cavendish, Lord Cavendish Spencer Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire Lady Louisa Egerton Lord Frederick Cavendish Lord Edward Cavendish |
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Blanche Cavendish, Countess of Burlington (born Blanche Howard; 11 January 1812 – 27 April 1840) was an important lady in British history. She was married to William Cavendish. He was the 2nd Earl of Burlington and later became the 7th Duke of Devonshire.
Blanche's Early Life and Family
Blanche was born on 11 January 1812. She was the eighth child of George Howard, 6th Earl of Carlisle, and his wife, Georgiana. Her mother, Georgiana, was the sister of the 6th Duke of Devonshire. This duke was known as the "Bachelor Duke" because he never married.
The Bachelor Duke really liked Blanche. Some people think he chose not to marry and have his own children because he cared so much for Blanche and her future husband. In 1816, Blanche's aunt, Harriet, wrote a letter about her. She said Blanche was "too great a darling" and very pretty. Blanche was shy but would often mistake her aunt for her mother.
Marriage and Children
Blanche's uncle, the Duke of Devonshire, wanted her to marry his heir, William Cavendish. The Duke thought Blanche was humble and not self-conscious. He also felt William was smart but too serious. The Duke helped them meet. He held a special ball for Blanche when she was seventeen. A few weeks later, William asked Blanche to marry him, and she said yes.
Blanche married William Cavendish on 6 August 1829. This was before he became the Earl of Burlington. Their marriage was very happy. They shared similar ideas about politics and had strong religious beliefs.
Blanche and William had five children together:
- William Cavendish, Lord Cavendish (born 1831 – died 1834)
- Spencer Compton Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire (born 1833 – died 1908)
- Lady Louisa Caroline Cavendish (born 1835 – died 1907). She married the Hon. Francis Egerton.
- Rt. Hon. Lord Frederick Charles Cavendish (born 1836 – died 1882)
- Lord Edward Cavendish (born 1838 – died 1891)
From 1838 until she passed away, Blanche worked for Queen Victoria. She was a Lady of the Bedchamber. This was an important role, helping the Queen with her daily life.
Blanche died when she was only 28 years old. Her husband and her uncle were very sad. She and her husband are buried at St Peter's Church, Edensor. This is a tradition for the Cavendish family. There is a special message about her at Chatsworth. Her uncle finished rebuilding Chatsworth House in 1840, the year she died. He also built a special "Urn to Blanche" in the gardens to remember her.
