DEVONSHIRE, EARLS AND DUKES OK The De vonshire title, now in the Cavendish family, had previously been held by Charles Blount (1563-1606), 8th Lord Mountjoy, great grandson of the 4th Lord Mountjoy (d. 1534), the pupil of Eras mus; he was created earl of Devonshire in 1603 for his services in Ireland (1600-03) ; but the title became extinct at his death. In the Cavendish line the Ist earl of Devonshire was William (d. 1626), second son of Sir William Cavendish (q.v.), and of Eliza beth Hardwick, who afterwards married the 6th earl of Shrews bury. He was created earl of Devonshire in 1618 by James I., and was succeeded by William, 2nd earl (1591-1628), and the latter by his son William (1617-1684).