Nobleman Henry Cavendish (1630–1691) was another important sitter for Mary Beale. He became the 2nd Duke of Newcastle in 1676 and he and his Duchess Frances née Pierrepont were frequent patrons of Mary, from whom they commissioned their portraits in 1677. The Duke and Duchess were introduced to Mary's work through Frances' father, the Hon. William Pierrepont (1607–1678) whose portrait was also painted by Mary around 1670. William Pierrepont was supportive of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War and remained an opponent to the Restoration of the Stuart Monarchy.