The 8th Duke (1833-1908) was a statesman who served in Parliament for over fifty years. He was a towering figure in the Liberal Party and as Marquess of Hartington he played a leading role in the cabinets of Gladstone and later Liberal governments. Three times he was asked by Queen Victoria to become Prime Minister, but each time he refused. In 1886 he split the Liberal Party over his opposition to Home Rule for Ireland. He married Louise, widow of the Duke of Manchester, in 1892. They had no children.
They entertained lavishly at Chatsworth, usually during the autumn and winter. King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were regular visitors. In 1908 the Duke died and was succeeded by his nephew Victor Cavendish.
The 8th Duke (1833-1908) was a statesman who served in Parliament for over fifty years. He was a towering figure in the Liberal Party and as Marquess of Hartington he played a leading role in the cabinets of Gladstone and later Liberal governments. Three times he was asked by Queen Victoria to become Prime Minister, but each time he refused. In 1886 he split the Liberal Party over his opposition to Home Rule for Ireland. He married Louise, widow of the Duke of Manchester, in 1892. They had no children.
