The Cavendish family history centers on the prominent Dukes of Devonshire, whose lineage began with the 14th-century Chief Justice Sir John Cavendish, named for lands in Suffolk. Through shrewd finance and political maneuvering, the family rose to power under the Tudors and Stuarts, with Sir William Cavendish amassing wealth from the Exchequer and Dissolution of the Monasteries. Key figures include William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire, who was created the first Duke in 1694 for his support of William of Orange, and the pioneering 18th-century scientist Henry Cavendish. Probably the most well known Cavendish was William, the 5th Duke of Devonshire who was married to Lady Georgiana Spencer, an ancestor of the late Princess Diana and who is portrayed in the movie "The Duchess". The family's legacy is symbolized by their grand estates like Chatsworth in Derbyshire and their centuries-old aristocratic traditions. Sir William Cavendish a prominent courtier and financier and significant landowner already,who, along with his family, acquired substantial property during the reign of Elizabeth I. Sir William Cavendish rose to prominence by making a fortune handling the assets from the Dissolution of the Monasteries under the Tudor dynasty and Henry VIII. His financial roles at court allowed the Cavendish family to transition from being "middling gentry" to a more powerful position. He later married the wealthy and influential Bess of Hardwick, who was known for her influence on his land acquisitions. 

Sawtry and The Cromwell Connection

The Cromwell family were Lords of the Manor of Sawtry and eventually sold the property to the Cavendish family, 

who were and still are prominent landowners, and their acquisition of Sawtry Manor along with lands in many other counties demonstrated their rising status and wealth as Huntingdonshire was then an important county in the country's history. Many of the working farms in Sawtry and the surrounding area were owned by the Cavendishes and they employed land agents to run them and hire agricultural workers which made up much of the employment in the area.

Thomas Cromwell's family and Sawtry

In 1538, Sir Richard Cromwell (born Richard Williams) received the nunnery of Hinchingbrooke and the Abbey & monastery of Sawtry-Judith during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Sir Richard was the nephew of Thomas Cromwell, but his fortunes were not damaged when his uncle was executed in 1540. Sir Richard's estates were passed down through his family line. His grandson, Sir Oliver Cromwell, was the uncle of the future Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. 

Charles Cavendish, 2nd Baron Chesham inherited Sawtry manor and Landholdings from his uncle William Cavendish,

The Duke of Devonshire in 1812. The Cavendish family is known for their grand country estates, such as Chatsworth House, which have been symbols of their enduring power and legacy for centuries.They have maintained a prominent position within British aristocracy, blending their historical traditions with adaptation to modern financial challenges. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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