William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire in the context of Dukes of Devonshire

The Cavendish (or de Cavendish) family (/ˈkævəndɪʃ/ KAV-ən-dish; /ˈkændɪʃ/ KAN-dish) is a British noble family, of Anglo-Norman origins (though with an Anglo-Saxon name, originally from a place-name in Suffolk). They rose to their highest prominence as Duke of Devonshire and Duke of Newcastle.

Leading branches have held high offices in English and then in British politics, especially since the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the participation of William Cavendish (then Earl of Devonshire) in the Invitation to William, though the family appears to date to the Norman Conquest of England, with Cavendish being used (in one form or another) as a surname per se since the beginning of the 13th century. As a place-name, it is first recorded in 1086.

Duke of Devonshire is a noble title in the Peerage of England, held by a senior branch of the Cavendish family, one of the most prominent aristocratic houses in Britain since the 16th century. It was created in 1694 for the 4th Earl of Devonshire. The family has historically amassed considerable wealth and wielded significant political influence, with several members holding senior positions in government. Alongside the Cecils (Marquesses of Salisbury) and the Stanleys (Earls of Derby), they have long been regarded as one of the most powerful families in the British nobility.

William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire (1672 – 4 June 1729), was a British nobleman and politician. He was the eldest son of William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire, and Lady Mary Butler. A prominent Whig, he was sworn of the Privy Council in 1707, and served as Lord President of the Council from 1716 to 1718 and from 1725 to 1729.