Duke of Newcastle

The Dukes of Newcastle are an aristocratic family in the United Kingdom, related to the Dukes of Devonshire with whom they share the surname of Cavendish, both families being descended from William Cavendish (pictured at right) and his wife, Bess of Hardwick.

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William Cavendish, the 1st Duke of Newcastle (December 6, 1592 - December 25, 1676) was a nephew of the first Earl of Devonshire. He was married twice, first to Elizabeth Basset, then to Margaret Lucas[?], like himself a poet and playwright. He was created Knight of the Bath by James I and Earl of Newcastle by King Charles I of England who also made him governor of his son, the future Charles II. During the English Civil War he was general of the northern forces and had powers to coin money, raise armies and confer knighthoods. After the Battle of Marston Moor (1644) he lived on the Continent until the Restoration when he was created Duke of Newcastle.

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Henry Cavendish, the 2nd Duke of Newcastle (June 24, 1630 - July 26, 1691).............

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A famous family member was Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle, (1623-1673), an Elizabethan poet, philosopher, playwright and essayist.

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