Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (by Amanda Foreman)

[lashinka2002]

Oh, Thanks for the info!
It doesn't seem like she did much then does it?

[Elspeth]

The rich, titled ladies of that time didn't do much in the way of regular jobs at all; they were mostly expected to be leaders of society in London and to look after their country estates. Georgiana was very heavily involved in politics by the sound of things; that also wasn't particularly unusual back then either.

[tiaraprin]

Georgiana was heavily involved in politics. The Spencer family that she was born into was ultra-Whig. She and her sister, Lady Harriet Duncannon, pounded the pavement for Whig candidates, spent enormous amounts of money campaigning, and were noted to campaign "amongst the basest of society." Georgiana and her sister were highly ridiculed by the Tory party, but Georgiana got the last laugh when Charles Fox was elected a seat in Parliament.

According to The Spencers, Earl Spencer claims that an addiction to gambling ran amongst his ancestors, with Georgiana being one of the most addicted. Georgiana knew she was addicted but never attempted to mend her ways, not even when she had to face a husband she was afraid of for money to pay her gambling debts.

[Harry's polo shirt]

Stupidest question EVER EVER EVER is Devonshire a place, why are people called duchess of ____. like duchess of cornwall, duchess of devonshire...do they live in those places?:o

[kelly9480]

The Devonshires live in Derbyshire and have for centuries. Devonshire was simply the most recently extinct ducal title available when they were to be granted a dukedom. Cornwall is different because the Duke of Cornwall actually owns chunks of the county through the Duchy of Cornwall. Usually, though, the location cited in the title reflects on some family connection to the location, like the Duke of Westminster owns chunks of Westminster, though he lives in Chesher.

[Harry's polo shirt]

how are people granted titles? do they have responsibilties to the location?

[tiaraprin]

I found some great pictures of portraits of Georgiana. I wish I could get them on my computer!! How do others put pics up??

[Furienna]

When excactly did Georgiana live, and who was her husband?

[Kelly]

I read this book about a year ago and I really enjoyed it. She seems like a fascinating character and somehow parallels Diana's life. It is so sad the way she dies though.

[BeatrixFan]

I bought it and haven't read it yet but I'll start reading it I think.

[Zonk]

I thought it was an excellent book! And yes, the similiarities between Diana and Georgiana were interesting and somewhat erie.

Its must have been a serious conflict to be a woman interested in politics during her time period. And how about the media....they were just as critical then as they are now.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by kelly9480

Usually, though, the location cited in the title reflects on some family connection to the location, like the Duke of Westminster owns chunks of Westminster, though he lives in Cheshire.

The parkland that is owned by the Duke of Devonshire is around 1000 acres, whilst the garden is 105 acres. Also belonging to Chatsworth is a 8 mile stretch of river stretching through the Dales. The famous waterworks include the twenty four steps of Cascade, which falls 200 yards down the hill and ends in a magnificent fountain it is the tallest gravity fed fountain in the world, capable of reaching 298 feet.
They also own properties in London and throughout the Peak District. :)

[Carminha Stalker]

I have been fortunate enough to visit Chatsworth several times. It´s one of the most magnificent places I´ve ever seen. Did this Duchess live there as well?

[Elspeth]

The posts about the movie "The Duchess" have been split out into their own thread in the Electronic Domain and can be found here:

http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/f220/the-duchess-movie-about-georgiana-duchess-of-devonshire-18180.html

This thread should be reserved for discussion of the book.

Thanks

Elspeth
Royal Library moderator