Anne Russell, Countess of Bedford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anne Russell
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Portrait of Anne, Countess of Bedford by Anthony van Dyck, c. 1638
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| Born | Lady Anne Carr 9 December 1615 Tower of London, London, England
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| Died | 10 May 1684 (aged 68) Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire, England
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| Resting place | Bedford Chapel, St Michael's Church, Chenies, Buckinghamshire |
| Title | Countess of Bedford |
| Spouse(s) | William Russell, 5th Earl of Bedford |
| Children | Lord James Russell Francis Russell, Lord Russell William Russell, Lord Russell Margaret Russell, Countess of Orford John Russell Lord Edward Russell Diana Alington, Lady Alington |
| Parent(s) | Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset Lady Frances Howard |
Anne Russell, Countess of Bedford (born December 9, 1615 – died May 10, 1684), was an important English noblewoman. She was known as Lady Anne Carr before she married. Anne was the wife of William Russell, 5th Earl of Bedford. He was a soldier and a leader during the English Civil War. William became a Duke after Anne passed away.
Anne's mother was Frances Howard. Around 1638, a famous artist named Anthony van Dyck painted Anne's portrait at least twice.
Contents
Anne's Early Life
Lady Anne was born in the Tower of London on December 9, 1615. She was the only child of Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset and Frances Howard. Her mother was part of the important Howard family. Anne was baptized on December 16, 1615, at St. Martin's Church in Ludgate.
When Anne was born, her parents were held in the Tower of London. They were there because of a serious event involving Sir Thomas Overbury. Her parents stayed in the Tower until January 1622. That's when King James I gave them a special pardon.
Marriage to William Russell
Anne was known for her beauty and good character. She was considered one of the three most beautiful women at the royal court. Her looks caught the attention of William Russell. He was the son of Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford.
William's father was worried about Anne's family history. He didn't want his son to marry her. But William and Anne truly loved each other. William refused to listen to his father's wishes.
King Charles I liked the idea of their marriage. He helped convince William's father to agree. So, on July 11, 1637, William Russell and Anne Carr were married. The wedding took place at St. Benet's Church in London.
Anne brought a large sum of money, £12,000, to the marriage. She also brought a property in London. This property later became Bedford House and was developed into Bloomsbury Square.
Around 1638, the famous Flemish artist, Anthony van Dyck, painted Anne's portrait. You can see one of these portraits in the infobox above.
When William's father passed away on May 9, 1641, William became the 5th Earl of Bedford. From then on, Anne was known as the Countess of Bedford. William became a Duke ten years after Anne died, so she was never a Duchess.
Anne and William lived at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire. People said they had a very happy marriage.
To learn about William and Anne's eight children, you can visit the article about William Russell, 1st Duke of Bedford.
Later Life and Passing
Anne passed away on May 10, 1684, at Woburn Abbey. Her death happened about a year after a sad event involving her son, William. Her son, William, was involved in a plan against the King, known as the Rye House Plot. He was later arrested and executed for treason on July 21, 1683. This was against King Charles II and the Duke of York (who later became James II).
Many believed that the shock of her son's execution caused Anne's health to decline. She never fully recovered after that. Anne was buried on May 16 in the Bedford Chapel. This chapel is located at Chenies parish church in Buckinghamshire.
There is a beautiful white marble monument in the chapel for Anne and her husband. It shows Anne next to her husband, looking sad.
See also
Images for kids
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Portrait of Anne, Countess of Bedford by Anthony van Dyck, c. 1638
