Frances Russell, Countess Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Countess Russell
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Lady John Russell depicted in 1844 with her eldest son John
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| Born |
Lady Frances Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound
15 November 1815 Minto, Roxburghshire
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| Died | 17 January 1898 (aged 82) |
| Resting place | Chenies, Buckinghamshire |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 4, including John Russell, Viscount Amberley and Rollo Russell 6 stepchildren |
| Parents |
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Frances Anna Maria Russell (born Frances Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound; 15 November 1815 – 17 January 1898) was an important woman in British history. She was the second wife of John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice. From 1841 to 1861, she was known as Lady John Russell.
Contents
Life and Family
Early Years and Marriage
Frances was born in Minto, Scotland, on November 15, 1815. She was the second daughter of the Earl and Countess of Minto. She grew up at Minto House, her family's home. In 1832, her family moved to Berlin when her father became a government minister in Prussia.
In 1835, her father became the head of the British Navy. This meant the family moved to London. In 1840, when Frances was 24, she received a marriage proposal. It was from Lord John Russell, a friend of her father's and a government leader. He had lost his first wife two years earlier. Frances first said no, but then changed her mind and accepted. They got married on July 20, 1841, at Minto House.
Becoming a Stepmother
When Frances married Lord John, she became a stepmother. Lord John had two daughters from his first marriage. He also had four stepchildren, who were the orphaned children of his first wife and her first husband. Frances and Lord John also had four children of their own:
- John Russell (born 1842)
- George Gilbert William Russell (born 1848)
- Francis Albert Rollo Russell, known as Rollo (born 1849)
- Mary Agatha Russell, known as Agatha (born 1853)
A Home in Richmond Park
In 1847, when Lord John was Prime Minister, Queen Victoria allowed the Russells to live at Pembroke Lodge. This beautiful home is located in Richmond Park. Pembroke Lodge remained the family's home until Frances passed away in 1898.
In 1861, Lord John Russell was given a special title, Earl Russell. From then on, Frances was known as Countess Russell.
Guardianship of Grandchildren
In 1876, the Russells' oldest son, John, died. He left behind two young sons, Frank (aged 10) and Bertrand Russell (aged 3). Their mother had passed away earlier. John had chosen other people to care for his sons. However, Lord and Lady Russell successfully argued to become their grandsons' guardians.
Countess Russell was a very strict and religious person. She made sure her son's book, which looked at different religions, was published after he died. Two years later, Earl Russell died. This left Lady Russell as the only guardian for Frank and Bertrand.
Later in life, Bertrand Russell, who became a famous philosopher, remembered his grandmother. He said she was "the most important person to me throughout my childhood." He described her as strict but also very caring.
Later Life and Passing
Countess Russell lived a long life. She died at Pembroke Lodge on January 17, 1898, at 82 years old. She had lived almost twenty years longer than her husband. She was buried next to him in the Russell family chapel at St. Michael's Church in Chenies.
Character and Beliefs
Strong Convictions
Lady Russell was a woman with strong beliefs. She was raised as a Presbyterian and later became a Unitarian. She was interested in politics from a young age, following in her father's footsteps. She supported important causes like Italian Unification, which was about Italy becoming one country. She also supported Irish Home Rule, which meant Ireland having more control over its own government. During the American Civil War, she supported the North because she strongly disliked slavery.
A Grandmother's Influence
Bertrand Russell, her grandson, wrote about her character. He said she didn't care much for fancy titles or worldly honors. She lived a simple life, didn't like wine or tobacco, and ate plain food. She was even close to becoming a vegetarian.
While he found her strict rules a bit much, Bertrand Russell remembered her as a loving grandmother. He admired her courage, her dedication to public service, and her willingness to be different.
Languages and Diaries
Frances was very smart and could speak French, German, and Italian fluently. She knew a lot about classic English and European books. However, she wasn't very interested in newer European writings.
From the age of 15, she kept a diary. She stopped writing in it when her husband died 48 years later. After her death, parts of her diary were put together and published by her daughter, Agatha.
Honors and Legacy
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A ship was named The Countess Russell in her honor in 1861. Sadly, the ship ran aground and was lost off the coast of Queensland on August 13, 1873.
