Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn - Later Life and Legacy

Later Life and Legacy

The Duke of Kent purchased a house of his own from Mrs Fitzherbert in 1801. Castle Hill Lodge on Castlebar Hill Ealing was then placed in the hands of architect James Wyatt and more than £100,000 spent. Near neighbours from 1815 to 1817 at Little Boston House was US Envoy and future US President John Quincy Adams, and his English wife Louisa. "We all went to church and heard a charity sermon preached by a Dr Crane before the Duke of Kent". In 1829 the Duke's former aide-de-camp purchased the house from the Duchess in an attempt to reduce her debts.

Following the birth of Princess Victoria in May 1819 the Duke and Duchess sought to find a place where they could live inexpensively, considering the Duke's great debts (which were not paid until his daughter took the throne and paid them over time from her income). After the coast of Devon was recommended to them they leased from a General Baynes, intending to remain incognito, Woolbrook Cottage on the seaside by Sidmouth.

The Duke of Kent died of pneumonia on 23 January 1820 at Woolbrook Cottage, Sidmouth, Devon and was buried at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He died only six days before his father, George III, and less than a year after his daughter's birth.

He predeceased his father and his three elder brothers, but, since none of his elder brothers had any surviving legitimate children, his daughter, Victoria, succeeded to the throne on the death of her uncle King William IV in 1837.