The Duke Of Cleveland

Born with a silver spoon firmly in his mouth, William Vane was educated by private tutor and later at Christ Church, Oxford. At the age of 22, he became MP for Totnes. He succeeded his father as Earl of Darlington in 1792, but was a Whig in politics and supported the political reform which led to the Great Reform Bill of 1832.

Created Marquess of Cleveland in 1827, Vane was elevated to the dukedom of Cleveland in 1833. But sport and hunting preoccupied Cleveland more than politics. He spared no expense on hunting with his hounds on his vast Durham estates, paying considerable sums to his tenants to preserve foxes for hunting. In racing circles, he was known for his magnificent stud, which enabled him to win the 1831 St Leger with his horse Chorister.

Cleveland died in his London home in 1842. Though he left over £1m in his will, his total assets were around £4.5m, or about £10.8bn in today's money.