What is william cavendish 6th duke of devonshire?

William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858) was a British aristocrat and politician. He was born on May 21, 1790, in Paris, France, while his parents were in exile during the French Revolution. His family returned to England in 1793, and he was educated at Charterhouse School and Cambridge University.

He inherited the title of Duke of Devonshire in 1811, at the age of 21, following the death of his father. As a prominent member of the Whig party, he served as Lord Chamberlain of the Household and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland during the 1830s.

In addition to his political career, the Duke of Devonshire was also a benefactor of the arts and sciences. He was a member of the Royal Society and a patron of several institutions, including the British Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts. He was also an avid collector of art, books, and manuscripts, and his extensive library and art collection were bequeathed to the nation upon his death.

The Duke of Devonshire was married to Lady Georgiana Howard, the daughter of the Earl of Carlisle, in 1813. Their marriage was unhappy, and Lady Georgiana had several affairs, including one with the politician Charles Grey, who would later serve as Prime Minister. The couple separated in 1830, and Lady Georgiana died in 1858, the same year as her estranged husband.

The Duke of Devonshire died on January 18, 1858, at the age of 67. He was succeeded by his son, William Cavendish, who would later become the Prime Minister of Great Britain.