William Cavendish (courtier)

William Cavendish (born before 1551, died 1625) was an English courtier and Member of Parliament. He was the son of William Cavendish, the founder of the Devonshire dynasty, and Bess of Hardwick.

Cavendish served as a Member of Parliament for Liverpool in 1586 and for Newport (Isle of Wight) in 1589. He was knighted in 1603. He held various court positions throughout his life, including gentleman pensioner.

His family connections were considerable, owing to his mother’s influence. This allowed him to acquire and maintain positions despite not possessing the political or administrative acumen of some of his contemporaries.

Cavendish married Anne Kighley, daughter of Henry Kighley of Kighley, Yorkshire. They had several children, including William Cavendish, who was later created Earl of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Through this son, William Cavendish (courtier) is an ancestor of the Dukes of Newcastle. He is also an ancestor of the Dukes of Portland through his daughter, Margaret Cavendish, who married Sir John Byron.