Kenward Asquith

Kenward Asquith

Portrayed by Iain Glenn
Full Name	Kenward Peter Asquith
Title	Marquess of Coniston
Associated Noble House(s)	Marquessate of Coniston, Viscouncy of Milbury
Date of Birth	4th July 1776
Father	Francis Asquith
Father's Rank	Marquess of Coniston
Mother	Elysia Asquith
Mother's Rank	Marchioness of Coniston
Town Residence	The Albany
Income	£10,000
School	Rugby
University	Oriel College, Oxford
Year Attained Title	1810

Kenward Asquith is the current Marquess of Coniston, having acceded to the title in March 1810.

Kenward is played by Sharpie

Family

• Father: Francis Asquith, Marquess of Coniston (b 1745, d 1810)
• Mother: Elysia Asquith, Marchioness of Coniston (b 1752, d.1806)
• Sister: Lady Jocasta Asquith (b. 1780) m Lord Bertrand Montgomery (b. 1769)
• Younger brothers: Lord Emory Asquith, (b 1786), vicar of a living in the Marquess' gift; Lord Bennet Asquith, (b 1792), Lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards and ADC to General Wellington in Spain
• Nephews and Nieces: Horatio (b. 1800), Tristram (b. 1802), Susannah (b 1806), Vanessa (b. 1809)

Schooldays

Kenward attended Rugby School from 1785-1792, where he was a a decent although not outstanding scholar. He matriculated at 16 and went up to Oxford to study at Oriel College, graduating in 1795 at the age of nineteen.

From about the age of fifteen, Kenward was taught more and more about running the estate, being present when his father's estate steward made his reports and suggestions. The Marquess and his steward took Lord Milbury (as he then was) with them as they rode out to inspect the estate and see what work was required, or to inspect the finished job. This culminated in Kenward being entrusted with overseeing the building of a new tithe barn during the summer after he graduated, before he was allowed to move to Milbury Hall and set up home on his own once he attained his majority in 1797.

Appearance

At five feet eight inches tall, Kenward may not be the tallest gentleman in town, but an upright bearing and serious mien help convey the impression that he is taller than he actually is. He has mousy brown hair, which he wears brushed forward a la Titus. The shading of his hair can vary enormously depending on the light, sometimes appearing quite dark, while in strong sunlight it can look almost blond. His eyes are hazel, with that unusual peculiarity of almost seeming to change colour depending on his mood, the green showing more strongly when he is angry. His skin is fair, although not pasty-white, and he has a tendency to burn in strong sunlight.

His valet is aware of his master's slight tendency towards thrift but has managed to persuade him that fashion need not mean tight-fistedness and as he has spent a year in mourning, he is entitled to spend on his clothing. Kenward dresses as well as he can without being extravagant, unwilling to spend money on a coat that will last only one season. He is not unfashionable in his dress, but is not a dandy who cares nothing for spending fifty guineas or more on a coat.

Present Day

Kenward while Lord Milbury, c. 1792

Since the death of his father in March 1810, Kenward has been dealing with his father's creditors and looking into the family's finances, determined to do what he can to cut back on expenses. This has involved selling off a minor estate, which had not been used by the family in several years, as well as renting out some other property. He has come to London in order to put the family's town house (Coniston House, 19 Grosvenor Square) into better order with the possibility of renting it out in the future if he does not marry this year.

He is currently staying at Albany with his valet, the only member of his household staff to accompany him to Town.

Friends and Acquaintances

• Miss Honoria Bartram, a family friend and a good personal friend
• Augusta Harpole, the Duchess of Leicester, a friend of his sister's
• Lord and Lady Eastborough, his sister's in-laws
• Mrs Beckett, a Montgomery relation-by-marriage, introduced to Kenward somewhere, somewhen by Lady Eastborough
• Amelia Harcourt, an acquaintance from time in London before his father's death
• Edmund Granville, a recent acquaintance
• Camilla Fairmont, Rosalind Fairmont and Jemima Fairmont, next-door-neighbours to Coniston House (Marcus Fairmont was out when Kenward called)

Bric-a-Brac

• He arrived in London on Tuesday the 14th May
• He is a member of White's
• He takes black tea with no milk, cream or sugar

Threads

Thursday 16th May

The More Things Change Calling on Miss Bartram

Friday 17th May

The Female of the species is more deadly than the Male Calling on the Duchess of Leicester

Why is a raven like a writing desk? Leaving the Dread Duchess's house, Kenward meets with Edward Hackett

Red red wine goes to my head Kenward heads to his club to recuperate from his call on the Duchess of Leicester

And all Rabbit's friends-and-relations Calling on Mrs Beckett

Saturday 18th May

Morning has broken Calls on Lord Surrey's relations

Blinded by SCIENCE!! Attends a lecture at scientific demonstration at Lord Beaconsfield's

Sunday 19th May

It is hard to be brave when you're only a Very Small Animal Introduction to Isabella Granville at church

Monday 20th May

Travelling Through Time Together Kenward and Miss Bartram visit the British Museum

Tuesday 21st May

Knock, Knock, Who's There? Kenward calls on Lord Saltash's family but only finds the companion at home

How to love thy neighbour Calls on Lady Foxford and her two daughters.

Past the Point of No Return Kenward spends the first act of the opera in the Granville box, chatting with Edmund Granville

Daydreaming in Music At the theatre, Kenward spends the interval and second act in Miss Bartram's box

Wednesday 22nd May

Every step and silent glance Kenward talks with Miss Amelia Harcourt, an acquaintance from years past, at Almack's.