George Cavendish (writer) facts for kids

George Cavendish (born 1497, died around 1562) was an English writer. He is most famous for writing the life story of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. His book, Thomas Wolsey, Late Cardinall, his Lyffe and Deathe, is a very important source. It tells us a lot about Wolsey's life. It also shows us what court life was like in the early 1500s. The book even covers big political events, like the divorce of Catherine of Aragon.

Who Was George Cavendish's Family?

Cavendish was born in 1497. His father was Thomas Cavendish, who worked in the government's money department. His mother was Alice Smith. George was the great-grandson of Sir John Cavendish. This family name, Cavendish, is also used by the Dukes of Devonshire and Dukes of Newcastle.

George was a courtier, meaning he worked at the royal court. He was also a writer. His brother, William Cavendish, married Bess of Hardwick. George was likely born in Cavendish, Suffolk. Later, his family lived in London. Around 1524, George married Margery Kemp. She was an heiress and the niece of Sir Thomas More.

What Was George Cavendish's Career Like?

Around 1522, George Cavendish started working for Cardinal Wolsey. He became a gentleman-usher, which meant he was a personal attendant. He stayed with Wolsey until the Cardinal died in 1530. His job meant he had to be with Wolsey almost all the time. He also helped with the many fancy parties Wolsey held. Because of this, Cavendish was often away from his wife and children. He also knew Anne Boleyn when she first came to Henry VIII's court in 1522.

Cavendish was very loyal to Wolsey. He also loved meeting important and famous people. He stayed faithful to Wolsey even when the Cardinal lost his power. After Wolsey died, Cavendish was questioned by the king's council. They wanted to know what Wolsey had said and done recently. Cavendish answered clearly and with dignity. The council praised him for being a "just and diligent servant."

He did not lose money because of his loyalty. He moved to his estate in Glemsford, Suffolk, in 1530. He was offered a job by King Henry VIII but turned it down. George was only thirty years old. It seems he had seen enough adventures, as he didn't seek more after this.

Cavendish's Writings and Their Impact

Cavendish probably took notes about Wolsey's talks and actions. Many years later, between 1554 and 1558, he wrote his biography of Wolsey. He couldn't publish it while he was alive. However, many copies of his book were passed around by hand.

One of these copies likely reached William Shakespeare. Shakespeare used it when writing his play Henry VIII. Some even say Shakespeare "merely put Cavendish's language into verse."

Cavendish's book, Thomas Wolsey, Late Cardinall, his Lyffe and Deathe, was first printed in 1641. But this first printed version was not quite right. The true text, from original handwritten copies, was published in 1810. The first complete edition came out in 1825. For a long time, people thought George's younger brother, William, wrote the book. But a historian named Joseph Hunter proved it was George. George Cavendish is thought to have died before July 1562.

Cavendish's Life of Cardinal Wolsey is very valuable. It is the only true record of many important events in English history. Historians like Mandell Creighton have praised Cavendish. They say he was one of the first great English biographers. He wrote simply and clearly. He didn't use the fancy language common in his time.

Fictional Portrayals of George Cavendish

George Cavendish appears as a small character in Dame Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall. This book is a fictional story about Thomas Cromwell. In the novel, Cavendish is shown as a loyal servant who truly admired Wolsey. Cromwell describes him as "a sensitive sort of man."

Cavendish is also a quiet and loyal servant in Frailty of Human Affairs by Caroline Angus. He is shown similarly in Cora Harrison's mystery novel, The Cardinal's Court (2017).