Deborah Mitford was the last of the infamous Mitford sisters, prominent members of English Society in the 1930s in 40s. Although the sisters were not originally known for their wealth or their jewels, this changed when Deborah married Lord Andrew Cavendish who later became the 11th Duke of Devonshire. Deborah started wearing various well-recognised family jewels, as well as more personal pieces that illustrated her very “wonderful and ordinary” character.

This talk discusses these family heirlooms as well as more modern creations that became part of her collection. It also discusses her penchant for chickens depicted across a range of personal possessions that epitomise her love of animals in general — and chickens in particular.