Henry Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Newcastle facts for kids

Henry Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Newcastle upon Tyne (born 24 June 1630 – died 26 July 1691) was an important English politician. He was known as Lord Henry Cavendish when he was younger, and later as Viscount Mansfield. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, from 1660 until 1676. After that, he became a Duke.

Life as a Duke and Politician

Henry Cavendish was the only son of William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle. His mother was Elizabeth Basset.

Early Career in Government

After the King returned to power in England (this was called the Restoration of the Monarchy), Henry got some important jobs. From 1660 to 1662, he was the Master of the Robes. This meant he was in charge of the King's clothes and personal items. From 1662 to 1668, he was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber. This was a close assistant to the King.

In 1660, Henry was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Derbyshire. This happened in a special meeting called the Convention Parliament. Later, in 1661, he was elected as an MP for Northumberland.

Becoming the Duke of Newcastle

In 1676, Henry's father passed away. Henry then inherited the title of Duke of Newcastle. He also took over the family homes. These included Welbeck Abbey, Bolsover Castle, and Nottingham Castle.

In 1677, he was given a special honour. He became a Knight of the Garter. This is a very old and important award in England.

The End of the Dukedom

Henry Cavendish died in 1691. He did not have any sons who lived to inherit his title. Because of this, the title of Duke of Newcastle ended.

His favourite daughter, Margaret, inherited Welbeck Abbey and other family lands. Margaret had married a man named John Holles. A few years later, in 1694, the title of Duke of Newcastle was created again for John Holles. Henry's other daughters tried to challenge Margaret's inheritance, but they were not successful.

Family and Children

Frances Pierrepont, Duchess of Newcastle, painted by Mary Beale

Welbeck Abbey in the 1600s

In 1652, Henry Cavendish married Frances Pierrepont. She was born in 1630 and passed away in 1695. Frances was the daughter of William Pierrepont. Henry and Frances had six children together:

• Lady Elizabeth Cavendish (1654–1734): She first married Christopher Monck, 2nd Duke of Albemarle. They did not have any children. Later, she married Ralph Montagu, 1st Duke of Montagu, but they also had no children.
• Lady Frances Cavendish (1660–1690): She married John Campbell, 2nd Earl of Breadalbane and Holland. They did not have any children.
• Lady Margaret Cavendish (1661–1716): She married John Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. They had children. This was the family line through which the dukedom was created again.
• Henry Cavendish, Earl of Ogle (1663–1680): He married Lady Elizabeth Percy. They did not have any children. Sadly, Henry died the year after he got married.
• Lady Catherine Cavendish (1665–1712): She married Thomas Tufton, 6th Earl of Thanet. They had children.
• Lady Arabella Cavendish (1673–1698): She married Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland. They also had children.