From 1715 to 1748 the Cavendishes, dukes of Devonshire, and the Stanhopes, earls of Chesterfield, each usually returned one Member for Derby, joining interests. But when, on the death of John Stanhope, they recommended his kinsman, Thomas Stanhope, a total stranger, with the concurrence of the corporation,

the independent Whigs, without any dislike to either, resenting that some few had secretly undertaken for his election, to preserve their liberties, set up their townsman, Mr. Rivett, who had 380 to 311.1

After this the Stanhope interest lapsed, but the Cavendishes continued to return one Member.