Historical
notes and Past Pictures Gallery
William Cavendish
Coat of Arms
'Cavendo Tutus' - Safety through Caution
Origin of the placename
The name of Cavendish derives from some worthy Angle or Saxon
of the name of Cafa who owned an edisc or aftermath meadow on the bank of the river Stour
The small community that sprang
up on the spot was known as Cafasaftermath or corrupted and shortened to Cavendish
.
The
Church
The Church
is dedicated to St.Mary the Virgin.The present building is of the Perpendicular period,
built between 1300 and 1500.A
Saxon Church stood on the site in 1086 and no doubt had Pagan connections.
The tower is early 14c with an upper floor
that has a fireplace.The South porch is also 14c, which is unnusually early for this this type of structure.
The Duke of Devonshire Connection
William Cavendish (of the village and a descendant of Sir John Cavendish),was
married three times. His third wife was Bess of Hardwick, whom he married in 1547.
She was married four times,
but it was only with her second husband, William Cavendish, that she had children.
It is from William and Bess that the
Dukes of Devonshire were descended. Their son William, the First Earl of Devonshire (1552 - 1625) sold the manor in Cavendish
to Robert Downes of London in 1569. It was William's great grandson who was created Duke of Devonshire in 1694.
Notable Buildings
There is a richness of old buildings in Cavendish, but little can be seen from the main road.
A wander around the village environs will bring rich rewards.
Over Hall
Dates from
the Norman Conqest - only a small two storey gable end remains.
Nether Hall,
Peacocks Road - Dates from 1350 -
Once owned by George Cavendish.
Houghton Hall
Dates
from 1400's - now the home of Atlantic Health Spa.
Colts hall
Parts date from 13th century, when the
Estate was owned by William de Grey
Hyde Park Corner or
'The Pink Cottages - owned by The George Savage Trust and let as accommodation for the elderly.
