Edward Russell, 3rd Earl of Bedford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Earl of Bedford
copy by George Perfect Harding of a portrait by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger
Born	20 December 1572
Died	3 May 1627
Spouse(s)	Lucy Harington
Father	Sir Francis Russell, Lord Russell
Mother	Eleanor/Juliana Forster

Edward Russell, 3rd Earl of Bedford (born December 20, 1572 – died May 3, 1627) was an important English nobleman and politician. A nobleman was a person from a high-ranking family, often owning a lot of land and having special titles like "Earl." Edward Russell held the title of Earl of Bedford.

Becoming the Earl of Bedford

Edward Russell was the son of Sir Francis Russell and Eleanor Forster. His grandfather was Francis Russell, who was the 2nd Earl of Bedford.

When Edward was just 12 years old, his father was sadly killed in 1585. Because his father died, Edward became the 3rd Earl of Bedford. This meant he inherited his family's lands and titles. Since he was still young, important people like William Cecil and later his guardians, Ambrose, Earl of Warwick and Anne, Countess of Warwick, helped manage his family's estates.

Marriage and Life in London

When Edward was 22, he married Lucy Harington on December 13, 1594. Lucy was only 13 years old at the time. Her father was John Harington. This marriage brought Edward a good amount of money and the Minster Lovell estate.

Edward and Lucy did not have children. Lucy became a very famous supporter of arts and literature during her time. She helped many writers and artists. She also took part in court shows called "masques," which were like plays with music and dancing.

Edward Russell had an important job called Custos Rotulorum of Devon. This meant he was the chief keeper of the county records in Devon from 1596 to 1619. His main home in London was called Bedford House. It was located on a famous street called the Strand.

Challenges and Later Life

In 1601, Edward Russell got involved in a rebellion led by the Earl of Essex. Because of this, he was taken into custody. He wrote a letter to the Privy Council (a group of advisors to the King or Queen) explaining his part. He was fined a large sum of money, £10,000, which was a huge amount back then.

In 1613, Edward had a serious accident. He fell from his horse while riding in his own park. He was badly hurt and never fully recovered his health after that fall.

Edward Russell passed away on May 3, 1627, when he was 54 years old. He died at his home, Moor Park, in Hertfordshire, England. He was buried at St. Michael's Church in Chenies, Buckinghamshire. Since he had no children who survived him, his titles and lands went to his first cousin, Francis Russell.