Where Dukes Live.

[ARSENAL]

How come that, for example, the Duke and Duchess of Kent don't live in Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire live in Derbyshire (Chatsworth) etc?  I know there is probably a simple answer - but it is bothering me.  Thanks.

[jake-the-peg]

Originally under the feudal system, Dukes Barrons, Earls etc held land in return for military service, raising armies from that area when required to do so. However as time went on and these titles were handed down some people inherited multiple areas and others died out and were given to royal favorites none of whom saw any reason to actually go and live in the area to which the title was linked. Especially if it was a long way from London. Just as long as the money kept comming in from the estates they held there.

I mean imagine that you'd spent half your life toadying up to King Charles II and as a reward he made you Duke of Cumbria say. Would you all of a sudden up sticks and move 200 miles north away from your Royal Patron to what was the quite a wilderness? Not damn likely!