The Young Royalist

Charles Cavendish (1620-1643) would appear to have it all. Second son to the 2nd Earl of Devonshire and the godson of King Charles I, he was dashing, wealthy, and well-travelled.

His portrait, seen here, was painted by Sir Anthony van Dyck, and truly captures his youthful promise. Sadly, it was not to be. He died fighting for the Royalist cause, in action at Gainsborough, at the young age of 23.

However, his handsome features are forever immortalised in this beautiful portrait, which sits proudly in the dining at Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire, his birthplace.

Artwork

Charles Cavendish, by Sir Anthony van Dyck (c. 1637), Chatsworth House