William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire
William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire (
1640 -
1707) was a soldier and
statesman. A
Whig under
Charles II of England and
James II of England, he was leader of the anti-court and anti-Romanist party in the
House of Commons. He was a strong supporter of the "Glorious Revolution" of
1688 which brought
William of Orange to the throne. He was created the 1st Duke (1694) and also
Marquess of Hartington in recognition for his services. He was married to Lady Mary Butler (
1646-
1707), daughter of the 1st Duke of Ormonde, of
Kilkenny Castle. He was also a famous womanizer.