CAVENDISH (William), duke of Newcastle, grandson of Sir William Cavendish, was born in 1592. In 1610, he was made knight of the bath; in 1620, raised to the dignity of a peer, by the title of baron Ogle, and viscount Mansfield; and in the third year of king Charles I. created earl of Newcastle upon Tyne, and baron Cavendish of Boleyn. He was after this made governor to the prince of Wales, afterwards Charles II. When the first troubles broke
out in Scotland, and the king's treasury was but indifferently provided, he contributed ten thousand pounds; and also raised a troop of horse, consisting of about two hundred knights and gentlemen, who served at their own charge, were commanded by the earl, and honoured with the title of the prince's troop. He had after this the command of the northern counties; and was constituted general and commander in chief of all the forces that might be raised north of Trent, and of several counties south of that river. He afterwards raised an army of eight thousand horse, foot, and dragoons; with which he took some towns, and gained several important victories. On this he was advanced to the dignity of marquis of Newcastle: but his majesty's affairs being totally ruined by the rashness of prince Rupert, he, with a few of the principal officers of the army, went abroad, and staid for some time at Paris; where, notwithstanding the vast estate he had when the civil war broke out, his circumstances were now so bad, that himself and wife were reduced to the necessity of pawning their clothes for a dinner. He afterwards removed to Antwerp, that he might be nearer his own country; and there, though under great difficulties, resided for several years: but, notwithstanding his distresses, he was treated, during an exile of eighteen years, with extraordinary marks of distinction. On his return to England at the reformation, he was advanced to the dignity of earl of Ogle and duke of Newcastle. He spent his time in a country retirement, and was the patron of men of merit. His grace died in 1679, aged 84. He wrote a treatise on horsemanship, which is esteemed; and some comedies, which are not.
Mr Granger observes, that he was master of many accomplishments, and was much better qualified for a court than a camp: that he understood horsemanship, music, and poetry; but was a better horseman than musician, and a better musician than poet.