William George Spencer Cavendish 6th Duke of Devonshire

21 May 1790–18 January 1858 (Age 67)
Paris, Seine, France

The Life Summary of William George Spencer

When William George Spencer Cavendish 6th Duke of Devonshire was born on 21 May 1790, in Paris, Seine, France, his father, William Cavendish, was 41 and his mother, Georgiana Spencer, was 32. He died on 18 January 1858, at the age of 67, and was buried in Edensor, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom.

Photos and Memories (1)

Do you know William George Spencer? Do you have a story about him that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account

Family Time Line

William Cavendish
1748–1811
Georgiana Spencer
1757–1806
Cavendish
1775–1777
Lydia Frances Cavendish
1782–
Lady Georgiana Dorothy Cavendish
1783–1858
Caroline Rosalie Adelaide St Jules
1785–1862
Henrietta Elizabeth Cavendish
1785–1862
Admiral Augustus William James Clifford st Baronet Clifford
1788–1877
William George Spencer Cavendish 6th Duke of Devonshire
1790–1858

Parents and Siblings

Siblings

(7)

+2 More Children

World Events (8)

1792 · Beginnings of the Republic
Age 2
The first French Republic was founded during the French Revolution. It lasted from the French Revolution until the first empire. It marked the end of the Monarchy, establishment of the National Convention, the reign of Terror, the directory,  and the consulate.
1793 · Reign of Terror
Age 3
The reign of terror took place after the French Revolution. It claimed somewhere between 18,500 - 40,000 lives. The government at the time was exercising a more dictatorial form of government. The terror started with the execution of Marie Antoinette and ended with the fall of Robespierre.
1812 · Manchester Food Riots
Age 22
The Manchester Food Riots started on April 18, 1812, in Shudehill. The main focus was on the potato market. By 3pm, calvary and infantry soldiers began patrolling the streets and breaking up the crowds.

Name Meaning

English: habitational name from a place in Suffolk named Cavendish, from an Old English byname Cāfna (meaning ‘bold, daring’) + Old English edisc ‘enclosed pasture’. Cavendish is the surname of the Dukes of Devonshire. They are descended from Sir John Cavendish, who served as Chief Justice of the King's Bench (1372–81). Under the Tudors and Stuarts, a succession of shrewd and powerful heads of the family achieved political prominence and became extremely wealthy. William Cavendish, 2nd Earl of Devonshire, was a strong supporter of the ‘Glorious Revolution’ of 1688 and of William of Orange (William III) against James II. In 1694 he was created Duke of Devonshire. The Latin family motto, Cavendo tutus ‘safe through taking care’ is a pun on the surname.Manx: Anglicized form of Corjeag, a shortened form of Mac Quartag ‘son of Svarteygr’ (from Old Norse, meaning ‘black-eyed’). Folk etymology interpreted Corjeag incorrectly as Manx curjeig ‘alms-dish’ and equally incorrectly supposed that the surname Cavendish was a synonym meaning ‘giving-dish’. Manxmen's familiarity with the English surname presumably led to the substitution.

Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.

Sources (9)

  • William Spencer (Duke Of Devonshire) Cavendish, "England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007"
  • Duke Of Devonshire in entry for George Howard, The Earl Of Carlisle Viscount Morpeth Baron Gillesland, "British Newspaper Archives, Obituaries"
  • William Spencer Cavendish, "British Newspaper Archives, Obituaries"

Discover Even More

As a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.

Create a free account to view more about your family.
Create a FREE Account
Search for Another Deceased Ancestor
Share this with your family and friends.