#georgiana cavendish

[theduchessgeorgiana]

Georgiana Cavendish

Born to the Spencer family at Althorp, Georgiana was the eldest of three children born to John, the future 1st Earl Spencer and his wife Margaret Georgiana. Aged just 17, Georgiana married the Duke and became mistress of Chatsworth, Hardwick Hall, Chiswick House and Lismore Castle, as well as the estates at Londesborough and Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire.

Embarking on her marriage full of optimism, Georgiana was described as having a warm and vivacious personality, while her husband was regarded as being more reserved. The new Duchess enthusiastically established herself at the heart of London society, welcoming fellow aristocrats, royalty, actors, playwrights and musicians to her home. She also entertained prominent members of the Whig political party.

In 1782 Lady Elizabeth Foster (1759-1824) and Georgiana began a friendship which would last the rest of Georgiana’s life. Elizabeth, known as Bess, became a companion and support to the Duchess but Bess also had a relationship with Duke.

After nine years of marriage, the Devonshires would celebrate the birth of their first child, Georgiana (1783-1858) known as Little G, who was followed two years later by Harriet (1785-1862), known as Harryo. The sisters were joined by a brother William, known as Hart, who would become the 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858) in 1790.

Sadly Georgiana was denied the opportunity to raise her fourth child, Eliza Courtney (1792-1859) because she had been conceived during an affair with politician Charles Grey (1764–1845). The Duke exiled Georgiana, forbidding her to return until invited and only on the condition that the baby was placed elsewhere. Georgiana was able to see Eliza as she grew up, acting as an unofficial god-parent, but Eliza was only told of her parentage after Georgiana’s death.

After years of ill health and enduring blunt and brutal medical interventions which had impaired her sight and left her weakened, Georgiana’s final illness occurred in March 1806. She died at Devonshire House, the family’s townhouse in Piccadilly, aged just 48.

[queerquaintrelle]

Femslash February 2024: Georgiana Cavendish/Elizabeth Christiana (later Cavendish) - the Duchesses of Devonshire

“writers have suggested that the two women had a relationship which was closer than their individual relationship with the Duke.” (Porter, 2016, p.196.)

(source) (romantic female friendship: 18th century)

[jaeausten]

Try not to be too hard on His Grace, G. He's merely intent on fulfilling his duty and as for talking to him, well, whatever is there to talk about?

[dmchatsworthproject]

Lady Georgiana Cavendish

1757-1806

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, was one of the most charismatic figures in Georgian society. She was renowned for her style and her involvement in politics. She was the first wife of William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire, and the mother of the 6th Duke of Devonshire.

Georgiana could indulge her passion for fashion, introducing the vogue for elaborate and tall hairstyles. She also loved gambling, and ran up huge debts over the course of her life. Her husband’s status meant that Georgiana could also be involved in political life. Although women could not vote, Georgiana was very well known and became a central advocate for the Whig Party.

Nast, C. (2021). Who was Princess Diana’s ancestor, Georgiana Spencer? The vivacious society figure who inspired ‘The Duchess’ film. [online] Tatler. Available at: https://www.tatler.com/article/who-was-georgiana-spencer-duchess-of-devonshire.

www.youtube.com. (n.d.). The sad story of Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire. [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/RGquCaZwsJs [Accessed 15 Aug. 2023].

[fuckyeahcostumedramas]

Keira Knightley as Georgiana Cavendish in The Duchess (Film, 2008).

[thepastisalreadywritten]

BORN ON THIS DAY:

Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (née Spencer; 7 June 1757 – 30 March 1806), was an English aristocrat, socialite, political organiser, author, and activist.

Born into the Spencer family, married into the Cavendish family, she was the first wife of William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire, and the mother of the 6th Duke of Devonshire.

As the Duchess of Devonshire, she garnered much attention and fame in society during her lifetime.

With a preeminent position in the peerage of England, the Duchess was famous for her charisma, political influence, beauty, unusual marital arrangement, love affairs, and socializing.

She was notorious for her gambling addiction, leading to an immense debt.

She was the great-great-great-great aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Their lives, centuries apart, have been compared in tragedy.

She was also a great-great-great-aunt of Elizabeth II by marriage through the queen's maternal grandmother.