Bentinck, Margaret (1714–1785)

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Bentinck, Margaret (1714–1785)

Duchess of Portland. Name variations: Margaret Cavendish; Margaret Cavendish Harley; Peggy Bentinck. Born Margaret Cavendish Harley in 1714 (some sources cite 1715); died July 17, 1785; dau. of Edward Harley, 2nd earl of Oxford; m. William Bentinck, 2nd duke of Portland, 1734; children: Elizabeth Cavendish-Bentinck (1735–1825, who m. Sir Thomas Thynne, 1st marquess of Bath); Henrietta Cavendish-Bentinck (1737–1827); William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd duke of Portland (1738–1809); Edward Charles Cavendish-Bentinck (1744–1819).

One of the foremost private collectors of her day, acquired a number of shells from Captain Cook's expeditions; friend of Bluestockings, Mary Granville Delany and Elizabeth Montagu.

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Bentinck, Margaret (1714–1785)

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