Letter from William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire to Thomas Secker, Archbishop of Canterbury

This material is held atThe Devonshire Collection Archives, Chatsworth

  • Reference
    • GB 2495 CS4/1284
  • Former Reference
    • GB 2495 CS1/260.274
  • Dates of Creation
    • 21 October 1760
  • Physical Description
    • 1 sheet

Scope and Content

Concerns a response to the Archbishop's request the he ban "The Minor" from being put on at Drury Lane for its offence to Methodists; the 4th Duke's reluctance to make use of the powers of the Lord Chamberlain to ban performances because that power is looked upon unfavourably by the public; his suggestion to strike out the passages that are objectionable rather than banning the whole play; his question to the Archbishop if it is right for the Government to meddle with censorship of this play that scrutinises "a sect who by their hypocricy prevail over the minds of weak and deluded poor people in order to enrich themselves". Written from Devonshire House. Signed

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by Chatsworth House Trust.