William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Devonshire
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Portrait by Godfrey Kneller
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| Lord President of the Council | |
| In office 6 July 1716 – 16 March 1718 |
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| Monarch | George I |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Nottingham |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Sunderland |
| In office 27 March 1725 – 4 June 1729 |
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| Monarch | George I George II |
| Preceded by | The Lord Carleton |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Trevor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1672 |
| Died | 4 June 1729 (aged 56–57) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse | Rachel Russell |
| Children | William Cavendish, 3rd Duke of Devonshire Lady Rachel Cavendish Lady Elizabeth Cavendish Lord James Cavendish Lord Charles Cavendish |
| Parents | William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire Lady Mary Butler |
William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire (born in 1672, died June 4, 1729) was an important British nobleman and politician. He held high positions in the government during the reigns of King George I and King George II. He was a strong member of the Whig political party.
A Powerful Politician
William Cavendish became a very important figure in British politics. He was part of the Privy Council starting in 1707. The Privy Council was a group of advisors to the King or Queen.
His Main Role
His most important job was serving as the Lord President of the Council. He held this role twice:
- From 1716 to 1718
- From 1725 to 1729
The Lord President of the Council was a senior government minister. They were in charge of the Privy Council's meetings. This role was very close to the monarch.
Political Party
William Cavendish was a leading member of the Whig party. In British history, the Whigs were a major political group. They often supported a stronger Parliament and limited royal power.
Family Life
William Cavendish married Rachel Russell on June 21, 1688. She was the daughter of William Russell, Lord Russell. Rachel also held a position at court. She was a Lady of the Bedchamber for Queen Anne. This meant she helped the Queen with her daily life.
Their Children
William and Rachel had ten children together:
- Lady Mary Cavendish (1696–1719)
- William Cavendish, 3rd Duke of Devonshire (1698–1755)
- Lady Rachel Cavendish (1699–1780), who married Sir William Morgan
- Lady Elizabeth Cavendish (1700–1747), who married Sir Thomas Lowther, 2nd Baronet
- Lord James Cavendish (1701–1741)
- Lord Charles Cavendish (1704–1783), who was the father of the famous scientist Henry Cavendish
- Lady Anne Cavendish (died 1780)
- Lady Katherine Cavendish (died 1715)
- Lord John Cavendish (died 1720)
- Lady Diana Cavendish (died 1722)
