William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire (Cromwell the Great)

William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire (1672 – 4 June 1729) was a British nobleman and politician and 4th Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland (1718-1729, 69th to 80th Year of the Commonwealth).

He was the eldest son of William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire and Lady Mary Butler. Married The Hon. Rachel Russell (1674–1725), daughter of William Russell, Lord Russell on 21 June 1688.

William Cavendish was Prominent Whig and later member of the Whig Junto. Was member of the House of Commons (1692 to 1718), County Commissioner of Derbyshire (1707 to 1710 and 1714 to 1718) and Member of the Commonwealth State Council (1703 to 1709 and 1712 to 1718).

Lords Presidents of the Council of State under William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire
Lords Presidents of the Commonwealth State Council under William Cavendish. All named by the Lord Protector.