Biography of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford 1616-1700

Paternal Family Tree: Russell

Maternal Family Tree: Anne Windsor 1466-1500

1661 Coronation of Charles II

1683 Popish Plot

1683 Rye House Plot

William Russell 1st Duke Bedford educated at Magdalen College, Oxford University.

On 09 Aug 1613 [his grandfather] William Russell 1st Baron Russell (age 53) died. His son [his father] Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 20) succeeded 2nd Baron Russell of Thornhaugh.

Before Aug 1616 [his father] Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 23) and [his mother] Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford (age 36) were married.

In Aug 1616 William Russell 1st Duke Bedford was born to Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 23) and Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford (age 36).

Diary of Anne Clifford 1619. 28 Apr 1619. The 28th my Lord (age 30) and I, my Coz. Sackville and Lady Windsor went to the Tower to see my Lady Somerset (age 28), where we saw her [his future wife] little child (age 3)1. My Lord (age 30) went to see Earl of Northumberland (age 55)2 and I and the Lady Windsor went to see Lady Shrewsbury (age 63)3, and after supper my Lord (age 30) and I went by water to Channel Row to see my Lord of Hertford (age 79)4 and his Lady (age 40) where we found my Lady Beauchamp5, my Lord Essex’s (age 28) Sister, then I went to Arundel House and talked with her about Lords being made Knights of the Garter.

Note 1. “Her little Child,” Anne Carr (age 3), afterwards married to William 5th Earl and 1st Duke of Bedford (age 2).

Note 2. Henry (age 55), 6th Earl, a Prisoner since the time of the Gunpowder Plot.

Note 3. Mary Cavendish (age 63), wife of Gilbert 7th Earl of Shrewsbury, was sent to the Tower in June 1611, at the same time with her niece the Lady Arabella Stuart first cousin of King James. Lady Arabella died, in the Tower, in 1615.

Note 4. Earl of Hertford (age 79) son of Protector Somerset, and his 3rd wife Frances (age 40), d. of Thomas Viscount Howard of Bindon, widow of Henry Pranell, Esq., and married, 3rdly to Ludovick Stuart Duke of Lenox and Richmond (age 44).

Note 5. Lady Frances Devereux (age 19), and wife of William Lord Beauchamp (age 31), afterwards Marquis of Hertford; daughter of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite, and sister of the Parliament’s General (age 28).

On 03 May 1627 Edward Russell 3rd Earl Bedford (age 54) died at Moor Park, Hertfordshire. His first cousin [his father] Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 34) succeeded 4th Earl Bedford, 4th Baron Russell of Cheneys. [his mother] Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford (age 47) by marriage Countess Bedford.

Around 1637 Anthony Van Dyck (age 37). Portrait of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol (age 24) and William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 20).

On 11 Jul 1637 William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 20) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 21) were married. She the daughter of Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset (age 50) and Frances Howard Countess Essex and Somerset. He the son of Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 44) and Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford (age 57).

Around 1638 Anthony Van Dyck (age 38). Portrait of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 21).

In 1638 [his son] Francis Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 21) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 22).

On 29 Sep 1639 [his son] William Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 23) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 23).

On 09 May 1641 [his father] Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 48) died. His son William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 24) succeeded 5th Earl Bedford, 5th Baron Russell of Cheneys, 3rd Baron Russell of Thornhaugh. [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 25) by marriage Countess Bedford.

In 1643 [his son] Edward Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 26) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 27).

Around 1645 [his son] Robert Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 28) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 29).

In 1650 [his daughter] Anne Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 33) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 34).

In 1651 [his son] James Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 34) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 35).

In 1652 [his son] George Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 35) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 36).

On 09 Apr 1652 [his daughter] Diana Russell Baroness Latimer Willoughby Broke Alington was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 35) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 36).

On 31 Aug 1656 [his daughter] Margaret Russell Countess Orford was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 40) and [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 40).

In 1657 [his mother] Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford (age 77) died.

In 1657 [his daughter] Anne Russell (age 7) died at Woburn.

Coronation of Charles II

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Apr 1661. Was the splendid cavalcade of his Majesty (age 30) from the Tower of London to Whitehall, when I saw him in the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map] create six Earls, and as many Barons, viz:

Edward Lord Hyde, Lord Chancellor (age 52), Earl of Clarendon; supported by the Earls of Northumberland (age 58) and Sussex (age 14); the Earl of Bedford (age 44) carried the cap and coronet, the Earl of Warwick (age 46), the sword, the Earl of Newport (age 64), the mantle.

Next, was Capel, created Earl of Essex.

Brudenell, Cardigan;.

Valentia, Anglesea;.

Greenvill, Bath;.

Howard, Earl of Carlisle.

The Barons were: Denzille Holles; Cornwallis; Booth; Townsend; Cooper; Crew; who were led up by several Peers, with Garter and officers of arms before them; when, after obedience on their several approaches to the throne, their patents were presented by Garter King-at-Arms, which being received by the Lord Chamberlain (age 59), and delivered to his Majesty (age 30), and by him to the Secretary of State, were read, and then again delivered to his Majesty (age 30), and by him to the several Lords created; they were then robed, their coronets and collars put on by his Majesty (age 30), and they were placed in rank on both sides of the state and throne; but the Barons put off their caps and circles, and held them in their hands, the Earls keeping on their coronets, as cousins to the King (age 30).

I spent the rest of the evening in seeing the several archtriumphals built in the streets at several eminent places through which his Majesty (age 30) was next day to pass, some of which, though temporary, and to stand but one year, were of good invention and architecture, with inscriptions.

Notes:

Arthur Capell 1st Earl Essex (age 29) was created 1st Earl Essex. Elizabeth Percy Countess Essex (age 25) by marriage Countess Essex.

Thomas Brudenell 1st Earl Cardigan (age 78) was created 1st Earl Cardigan. Mary Tresham Countess Cardigan by marriage Countess Cardigan.

Arthur Annesley 1st Earl Annesley (age 46) was created 1st Earl Anglesey, 1st Baron Annesley Newport Pagnell Buckinghamshire. Elizabeth Altham Countess Anglesey (age 41) by marriage Countess Anglesey.

John Granville 1st Earl Bath (age 32) was created 1st Earl Bath.

Charles Howard 1st Earl Carlisle (age 32) was created 1st Earl Carlisle.

Denzil Holles 1st Baron Holles (age 61) was created 1st Baron Holles. Jane Shirley Baroness Holles by marriage Baroness Holles.

Frederick Cornwallis 1st Baron Cornwallis (age 50) was created 1st Baron Cornwallis.

George Booth 1st Baron Delamer (age 38) was created 1st Baron Delamer. Elizabeth Grey Baroness Delamer (age 39) by marriage Baroness Delamer.

Horatio Townshend 1st Viscount Townsend (age 30) was created 1st Baron Townshend of Lynn Regis in Norfolk.

Anthony Ashley-Cooper 1st Earl Shaftesbury (age 39) was created 1st Baron Ashley of Wimborne St Giles.

On 29 Aug 1667 [his son-in-law] Greville Verney 17th Baron Latimer 9th Baron Willoughby (age 18) and [his daughter] Diana Russell Baroness Latimer Willoughby Broke Alington (age 15) were married. She by marriage Baroness Latimer of Corby, Baroness Willoughby Broke. She the daughter of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 51) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 51).

In 1668 [his son] Edward Russell (age 25) and [his daughter-in-law] Frances Williams were married. He the son of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 51) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 52).

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Aug 1668. Mr. Bramstone (son to Judge B), my old fellow-traveler, now reader at the Middle Temple, invited me to his feast, which was so very extravagant and great as the like had not been seen at any time. There were the Duke of Ormond (age 57), Privy Seal (age 62), Bedford (age 52), Belasis (age 54), Halifax (age 34), and a world more of Earls and Lords.

In 1669 [his son] William Russell (age 29) and [his daughter-in-law] Rachel Wriothesley (age 33) were married. She the daughter of Thomas Wriothesley 4th Earl of Southampton 2nd Earl Chichester and Rachel Massue Countess Southampton. He the son of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 52) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 53).

Around 1672 Peter Lely (age 53). Postumous portrait of Princess Henrietta Stewart Duchess Orléans (age 27) commissioned by her brother Charles II King Scotland and presented by him in the Council ChamberWhere it still hangs today, in recognition of her birth in Bedford House, Exeter, the town house of the William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 55) who had given her mother refuge during the dangerous years before her father's execution in 1649.

On 29 May 1672 William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 55) was appointed 475th Knight of the Garter by King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 42).

On 15 Jul 1675 [his son-in-law] William Alington 1st and 3rd Baron Alington (age 35) and [his daughter] Diana Russell Baroness Latimer Willoughby Broke Alington (age 23) were married. She by marriage Baroness Alington of Killard. She the daughter of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 58) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 59).

In 1678 [his son] Francis Russell (age 40) died.

Popish Plot

Evelyn's Diary. 28 Jun 1683. After the Popish Plot, there was now a new and (as they called it) a Protestant Plot discovered, that certain Lords and others should design the assassination of the King (age 53) and the Duke (age 49) as they were to come from Newmarket, with a general rising of the nation, and especially of the city of London, disaffected to the present Government. Upon which were committed to the Tower [Map], the [his son] Lord Russell (age 43), eldest son of the Earl of Bedford (age 66), the Earl of Essex, Mr. Algernon Sidney (age 60), son to the old Earl of Leicester, Mr. Trenchard, Hampden, Lord Howard of Escrick, and others. A proclamation was issued against my Lord Grey, the Duke of Monmouth (age 34), Sir Thomas Armstrong, and one Ferguson, who had escaped beyond sea; of these some were said to be for killing the King (age 53), others for only seizing on him, and persuading him to new counsels, on the pretense of the danger of Popery, should the Duke live to succeed, who was now again admitted to the councils and cabinet secrets. The Lords Essex (age 60) and Russell (age 43) were much deplored, for believing they had any evil intention against the King (age 53), or the Church; some thought they were cunningly drawn in by their enemies for not approving some late counsels and management relating to France, to Popery, to the persecution of the Dissenters, etc. They were discovered by the Lord Howard of Escrick and some false brethren of the club, and the design happily broken; had it taken effect, it would, to all appearance, have exposed the Government to unknown and dangerous events; which God avert!

Rye House Plot

On 21 Jul 1683 [his son] William Russell (age 43) was beheaded by Jack Ketch at Lincoln's Inn for his involvement in the Rye House Plot. The executioner was so inept that he took four axe blows to separate the head from the body. After the first failed blow his victim looked up and said "You dog, did I give you 10 guineas to use me so inhumanely?".

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Aug 1683. The Countesses of [his sister] Bristol (age 63) and Sunderland (age 37), aunt and cousin-german of the late [his son] Lord Russell (deceased), came to visit me, and condole his sad fate. The next day, came [his brother] Colonel Russell (age 63), uncle to the late Lord Russell (deceased), and brother to the Earl of Bedford (age 67), and with him Mrs. Middleton (age 38), that famous and indeed incomparable beauty, daughter to my relation, Sir Robert Needham.

On 10 May 1684 [his wife] Anne Carr Countess of Bedford (age 68) died.

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Jan 1685. I din'd at Lord Sunderland's (age 43), being invited to heare that celebrated voice of Mr. Pordage, newly come from Rome; his singing was after the Venetian recitative, as masterly as could be, and with an excellent voice both treble and basse; Dr. Walgrave accompanied it with his theorba lute, on which he perform'd beyond imagination, and is doubtlesse orie of the greatest masters in Europe on that charming in strument. Pordage is a priest, as Mr. Bernard Howard (age 44) told me in private. There was in the roome where we din'd, and in his bed-chamber, those incomparable pieces of Columbus, a Flagellation, the Grammar-schoole, the Venus and Adonis of Titian; and of Vandyke's that picture of the late E. of Digby (father of the Countess of Sunderland (age 39)), and Earle of Bedford (age 68), Sr Kenelm Digby, and two Ladys of incomparable performance; besides that of Moses and the burning bush of Bassano, and several other pieces of ye best masters. A marble head of M. Brutus, &c.

On 14 Feb 1689 William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 72) was appointed Privy Council.

In 1690 [his son] Robert Russell (age 45) died.

In 1690 [his son] Robert Russell (age 45) and [his daughter-in-law] Letitia Cheek were married. He the son of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 73) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford.

In Nov 1691 [his son-in-law] Edward Russell 1st Earl Orford (age 38) and [his daughter] Margaret Russell Countess Orford (age 35) were married. She by marriage Countess Orford. She the daughter of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 75) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford. They were first cousins.

In or before 1692 [his son] George Russell (age 40) and [his daughter-in-law] Mary Pendleton were married. He the son of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 75) and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford.

In 1692 [his son] George Russell (age 40) died.

On 11 May 1694 William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 77) was created 1st Duke Bedford, 1st Marquess Tavistock.

On 13 Jun 1695 William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 78) was created 1st Baron Howland of Streatham.

On 07 Sep 1700 William Russell 1st Duke Bedford (age 84) died at Bedford House Covent Garden. His grandson Wriothesley Russell 2nd Duke Bedford (age 19) succeeded 2nd Duke Bedford, 2nd Marquess Tavistock, 6th Earl Bedford, 6th Baron Russell of Cheneys, 4th Baron Russell of Thornhaugh, 2nd Baron Howland of Streatham.

[his daughter] Catharine Russell was born to William Russell 1st Duke Bedford and Anne Carr Countess of Bedford.

Royal Ancestors of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford 1616-1700

Kings Wessex: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 12 Grand Son of William "Lion" I King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 15 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Son of Philip "Bold" III King France

Royal Descendants of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford 1616-1700

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom x 1

Diana Spencer Princess Wales x 2

Ancestors of William Russell 1st Duke Bedford 1616-1700

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Russell

Great x 3 Grandfather: James Russell

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Russell 1st Earl Bedford

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Wise

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Wise

Great x 1 Grandfather: Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Sapcote

Great x 3 Grandfather: Guy Sapcote of Thornhaugh, Bedfordshire

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne de Semarc

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Sapcote Countess Bedford

GrandFather: William Russell 1st Baron Russell 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John St John 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John St John 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Bradshaigh

Great x 2 Grandfather: John St John 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Morgan ap Jenkin Lord of Langstone

Great x 3 Grandmother: Sybil of Lansgtone Manor

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret St John Countess Bedford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Waldegrave

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Waldegrave

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Waldegrave 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Wentworth 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margery Wentworth 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Howard 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Father: Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford 10 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

GrandMother: Elizabeth Long Baroness Russel Thornhaugh

William Russell 1st Duke Bedford 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Brugge 5th Baron Chandos

Great x 3 Grandfather: Giles Brugge 6th Baron Chandos

Great x 4 Grandmother: Florence Darell Baroness Chandos

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Brydges 1st Baron Chandos

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Baynham

Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabel Baynham Baroness Chandos

Great x 1 Grandfather: Edmund Brydges 2nd Baron Chandos 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Grey 8th Baron Grey of Wilton 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Grey 9th Baron Grey of Wilton 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Grey Baroness Grey Wilton 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Baroness Chandos 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Hastings 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Florence Hastings Baroness Grey Wilton 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Tattershall

GrandFather: Giles Brydges 3rd Baron Chandos 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Bray of Eaton Bray

Great x 2 Grandfather: Edmund Braye 1st Baron Braye

Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Braye Baroness Chandos and Knollys 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Halwell of Halwell in Devon

Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Halwell Baroness Bray 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John IV Norbury 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Norbury 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Mother: Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Clinton 6th Baron Clinton 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Clinton 7th Baron Clinton 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Baroness Clinton 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Clinton 8th Baron Clinton 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Morgan of Tredegar 12 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Morgan Baroness Clinton 13 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Martha Vaughan

Great x 1 Grandfather: Edward Clinton 1st Earl Lincoln 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Poynings 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Poynings 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Paston

Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Poynings Baroness Clinton 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

GrandMother: Anne Clinton 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Stourton 2nd Baron Stourton 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edward Stourton 6th Baron Stourton 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Chideock 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Stourton 7th Baron Stourton 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Ursula Stourton Baroness Clinton 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Dudley 6 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Edmund Dudley 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Bramshott

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Dudley Baroness Stourton 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Windsor

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Windsor