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.
