Cavendish, Suffolk, England - Definition and Overview

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.

The name is derived from 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.

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

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