Louisa Egerton was the daughter of William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire, and Lady Blanche Georgiana Howard. She grew up at Holker Hall, Cumbria. Her father was a descendant of the 4th Duke of Devonshire, while her mother was the granddaughter of the 5th Duke and Duchess Georgiana.
Blanche was the favourite niece of the 6th Duke, and his fondness for Blanche and her husband is sometimes credited with his reason for never marrying; he wanted them to inherit Chatsworth.
Louisa’s father inherited the title in 1858, and he and his family moved to Chatsworth. Blanche had died tragically young, and so, as her father’s eldest (and indeed only) daughter, Louisa acted as hostess and mistress of Chatsworth.
In 1865, she married the naval commander and politician Admiral Hon. Francis Egerton (1824-1895). The couple went on to have five children: William Francis (1868-1949); Commander Frederick Greville (1869-1899); Blanche Harriet (1871-1943); Dorothy Charlotte (1874-1959); and Christian Mary (1876-1970).
Louisa is an unsung hero of Chatsworth’s collections, taking up a central role in managing the works her father inherited. She was highly knowledgeable about the collection and often handled enquiries from researchers requesting information or access. She also recognised the need for careful preservation of the precious objects, inviting professionals in relevant fields to come and advise on the best methods of care.
She worked alongside Sir James Lacaita to produce the first published catalogue of the Chatsworth Library (1879), and with him coordinated a project to catalogue the collection of Prints and Drawings, a work which sadly went unfinished.
She was also a talented amateur artist and used her skills to complete the 6th Duke’s vision for his Handbook of Chatsworth and Hardwick.
The Duke had planned to create ‘an extra illustrated’ copy of the handbook, containing engravings and watercolours, but never realised the project. Decades later, Louisa Egerton took it on. Expanding one volume into six, she inserted sketches, engravings, and paintings – including originals by artist William Henry Hunt, skilful copies she made of his work, and her own highly accomplished original watercolours.
Louisa Egerton died on 21 September 1907 in Surrey.
