of 21 and, following his parents’ example,
continued to lavish money on the property.
He made extensive improvements both
inside and out, notably removing Kent’s
exterior staircases, which had once brought
guests directly into the house on the first
floor, and replacing them with a portico
and new entrance hall. Although the
duke was a confirmed bachelor, the house
remained legendary for its entertainments,
hosting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
among others.
In later years, Devonshire House was
the scene of a spectacular fancy dress ball
hosted by the 8th Duke and Duchess to
celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Then, during the First World War it was
pressed into service as the headquarters of
the Red Cross before meeting its unfortunate
end. If walls could talk, this is one house that
would have had plenty of stories to share – if
only it had survived.Left, a gaming table at Devonshire House, where
Georgiana was an enthusiastic gambler. Below,
the demolition of Devonshire House in 1925,
painted by Charles Ernest Cundall