Lord Richard Cavendish

Lord Richard Cavendish (19 June 1752 – 7 September 1781) was an English nobleman and politician. He was the second son of William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire, and his wife, Charlotte. His sister, Dorothy Cavendish, later married William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland, who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Cavendish received his education in Hackney before attending Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1773, he was elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Lancaster, following a by-election held on 15 September 1773 due to the death of the incumbent, Francis Reynolds. During this period, he resided at No. 1 Savile Row, London, until 1781.

In 1774, he attended the wedding of his brother, Devonshire, which was considered notable as he was among the few family members present. Cavendish served as a gentleman volunteer with the navy during the years 1778 and 1779.

In 1781, Cavendish traveled abroad in an attempt to recover his health, which was in decline. He subsequently died unmarried in Naples on 7 September 1781.