Lady Georgiana Spencer may not have realized that her life would take an unusual path in history when she married William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire. She may have expected a normal society marriage to a member of the peerage. However, Georgiana Cavendish's life was anything but normal.
Georgiana Spencer's Early Years
Georgiana Spencer was born on June 7, 1757. She had impressive aristocratic bloodlines. Her father, the 1st Earl Spencer, John Spencer, was the great-grandson of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. Modern descendants include the late Princess of Wales Diana Spencer and Sara Ferguson, Duchess of York.
As a young girl she was popular with her peers. Even before marriage, Georgiana excelled at assisting her mother with hosting social events. She had a lively and engaged mind with an early interest in literature and politics.
The Duchess of Devonshire's Marriage
Georgiana Cavendish's marriage to the 5th Duke of Devonshire was arranged by her parents. Like many noble wives, Georgiana was many years younger than her husband. She also liked socializing and political discussions, unlike her husband. Their different interests and a series of miscarriages strained their marriage. Despite the numerous miscarriages, Georgiana and the Duke eventually had three children - Georgiana, Harriet and William George.
The Duke was known to have mistresses but the most famous was Lady Elizabeth Foster. Prior to the affair, Georgiana befriended Elizabeth Foster. Contemporaries commented on how much the affair between her dear friend and husband hurt and humiliated Georgiana. What made this affair different from many aristocratic extra marital affairs was that the Duke moved Lady Foster into their home. Georgiana had to live with her husband and his mistress for the rest of her life. She eventually forgave her husband and friend and gave them her blessing to marry after her death.
Georgiana had an affair with Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and gave birth to an illegitimate daughter, Eliza Courtney. The Duke forced Georgiana to give up Eliza, who was then raised by Grey's family. Georgiana maintained a secret relationship with her daughter, Eliza, who named one of her own children Georgiana.
The Duchess of Devonshire The Socialite
The Duchess was a popular hostess. She hosted salons that included the most influential Whig politicians, poets, writers and artists of the day. The playwright Richard Sheridan, the politician Charles James Fox and the artist Thomas Gainsborough were frequent visitors to her salons.
She was also a celebrated beauty and fashion icon. She wore extravagant outfits, hats and hairdos that set the fashions among the British elite. She was the subject of many paintings by famous artists.
Georgiana also loved to gamble. She spent a great deal of time at parties gambling with friends. Neither her husband nor parents approved of her gambling. They refused to pay her large debt which grew to a considerable sum by her death.
The Duchess of Devonshire's Political Influence
Georgiana grew up in a Whig family and her husband also supported the political party. She followed current political issues avidly and enjoyed discussing politics with men at her salons. She also actively campaigned for the Whigs, which was unusual for women. Her popularity with people of all classes made her a great spokesperson for the Whig party.
The Duchess of Devonshire's Lasting Influence
Many writers, artists and movie producers have been fascinated with the story of Georgiana Cavendish. She has been the subject of biographies, poems and fictional stories. Most recently, Keira Knightley portrayed Georgiana in the 2008 film, The Duchess.
Sources:
Masters, Brian, Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire, Hamish Hamilton 1981
Foreman, Amanda, The Duchess, 1998
Adrienne Warber - Adrienne Warber is a professional freelance writer with more than ten years experience. She has expertise in a variety of topics ranging ...
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