Cavendish, Suffolk, England

Cavendish is the name of a picturesque village in the Stour Valley in Suffolk, England. It is 18 km from Bury St Edmunds and 23 km from Newmarket.

Related Topics:
Village - Stour - Suffolk - England - Bury St Edmunds - Newmarket

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It is believed that Cavendish is called so because a man called Cafa used to own a pasture or 'edisc' there, and it therefore became known as Cafa's Edisc and eventually Cavendish. It was home to Sir John Cavendish, the ancestor of the Dukes of Devonshire who was involved in the Peasants' Revolt. In 1381 his son had put to death Wat Tyler, the peasants' leader. As a result, John Cavendish tried to flee from the pursuing peasants, and he hung on to the handle of the door of St Mary's Church, Cavendish, to plead sanctuary. His plea was in vain, and he was taken to Bury St Edmunds and beheaded by a mob headed by Jack Straw. He is buried in Bury St Edmunds.

Related Topics:
John Cavendish - Dukes of Devonshire - Peasants' Revolt - 1381 - Wat Tyler - Sanctuary - Jack Straw

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St. Mary's Church had a bequest from Sir John, and its chancel was restored.

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Leonard Cheshire and his wife Sue Ryder are buried in Cavendish. There is also the Sue Ryder Foundation Museum with many war memorabilia.

Related Topics:
Leonard Cheshire - Sue Ryder

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Articles on the history of the village and the surrounding area can be found at Foxearth and District Local Historical Society

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