Kenward Asquith
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| 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
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
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
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