The Mad Duchess Lives
Written into history as the ‘Mad Duchess’ of Albemarle, what brought about the downfall of Elizabeth Cavendish?
Born in 1654 to the 2nd Duke and Duchess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Elizabeth Cavendish was the eldest of six children. Granddaughter to both Civil War general William Cavendish and prominent MP William Pierrepont, Elizabeth, or ‘little Betty’, grew up in a privileged world, born to one of the most influential and wealthy families of the time. During her lifetime she was made a duchess twice over, played hostess to monarchy, and amassed a great fortune in both wealth and property. Yet by the end of her life she had been declared a lunatic under law, known to her contemporaries and historians alike as ‘the mad duchess’.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
