William Cavendish

Born: 1592, Nottinghamshire
Died: 1676
Allegiance: Royalist
Position: 1st Earl of Newcastle

William Cavendish was the son of the rich Sir Charles Cavendish. When he became Earl in 1628, he was one of the richest men in England. He used this wealth during the wars to help fund the royalist cause.

Newcastle served in the Bishops' Wars, and was recognised as a competent leader and swordsman. Despite this, he had a love of the fine arts, being a poet amoung other things.

He raised his own army to support Charles I in the North in 1642. His army fought and won at Adwalton Moor in 1643, severely curtailing parliament's movements in the North.

After his defeat at Marston Moor, 1644, Newcastle went into exile for 15 years. During his exile he kept himself busy. He married the remarkable Margaret Lucas, better known as the writer Margaret Cavendish, and also wrote a book on the art of horsemanship, his "Methode et Invention nouvelle de dresser les Chevaux" (Antwerp, 1657-8), which was very successful.

When Newcastle returned to England in 1660 he became the 1st Duke of Newcastle, being in a good position for advancement as he had taught Charles II to ride when the future King was young.