Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Bedford
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| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1527 |
| Died | 28 July 1585 (aged 57–58) London |
| Spouses |
Margaret St John
(Bridget Hussey
(m. 1566) |
| Relations | Edward Russell, 3rd Earl of Bedford (grandson) Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford (grandson) |
| Parents | John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford Anne Sapcote |
| Alma mater | King's Hall, Cambridge |
Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford (around 1527 – 28 July 1585) was an important English nobleman, soldier, and politician. He lived at Chenies in Buckinghamshire and Bedford House in Exeter, Devon.
He was even the godfather to the famous sailor Sir Francis Drake. Francis Russell also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Devon from 1584 to 1585, which meant he was the Queen's main representative in that area.
Early Life and Beliefs
Francis Russell was the son of John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford and Anne Sapcote. He studied at King's Hall, Cambridge. He then joined his father in the House of Commons, which is part of the English Parliament.
He represented the area of Buckinghamshire in Parliament from 1545 to 1552. In 1547, he became the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, a local official responsible for law and order. He helped stop a rebellion in Devon in 1549. After his father became the Earl of Bedford in 1550, Francis was known as Lord Russell. He then took his place in the House of Lords in 1552.
Francis Russell supported new religious ideas, which were different from the traditional beliefs at the time. Because of his beliefs, he was put in prison during the early part of Queen Mary I's reign. After he was released, he traveled to Italy and met with other people who shared his religious views. In 1557, he led the English soldiers who fought alongside Philip II of Spain (who was then England's King Consort) at the Battle of St. Quentin.
Serving Queen Elizabeth I
When Elizabeth I of England became queen in November 1558, Francis Russell, who had been the Earl of Bedford since 1555, became very active in public life. He was made a privy councillor, meaning he was a close advisor to the Queen. He was also sent on important diplomatic trips to meet leaders like Charles IX of France and Mary, Queen of Scots.
From 1564 to 1567, he was the governor of Berwick and a warden of the Scottish border. In this role, he managed many talks between Queen Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Bedford represented Queen Elizabeth as her ambassador at the baptism of Prince James (who would later become King James VI of Scotland and James I of England) on December 17, 1566, at Stirling Castle. He was the special guest at the celebration that followed. Mary, Queen of Scots, gave him a valuable gold chain with pearls, diamonds, and rubies. After the baptism, Mary's half-brother, James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, took him on a tour of Fife. They visited places like St Andrews and Hallyards.
He was a good border warden, but he often felt frustrated by Queen Elizabeth's changing and complicated decisions. When a rebellion in the north of England happened in 1569, Bedford was sent to Wales. He also helped judge the case of the Duke of Norfolk in 1572.
In 1576, he became the president of the council of Wales. In 1581, he was one of the people chosen to help arrange a possible marriage between Queen Elizabeth and François, Duke of Anjou. Bedford was made a Knight of the Garter in 1564, which is a very high honor. He was known as a kind and well-liked man. He passed away in London in 1585.
Family Life
Francis Russell's first wife was Margaret St John (1533–1562). They had four sons and three daughters:
- Lady Anne Russell (1548–1603), who married Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick.
- Henry Russell, Baron Russell (1551–1572).
- John Russell, Baron Russell (around 1553–1584).
- Francis Russell, Baron Russell (around 1554–1585), who was a Member of Parliament. He was hurt in a fight on the Scottish border and died just hours before his father. His son, Edward Russell, 3rd Earl of Bedford, later became the 3rd Earl.
- William Russell, 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh (around 1557–1613), who became the Lord Deputy of Ireland. His son, Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford, became the 4th Earl.
- Lady Elizabeth Russell (died 1605).
- Lady Margaret Russell (1560–1616).
Margaret, Lady Bedford, died in 1562. Francis then married his second wife, Bridget Manners, in 1566.
Lord Bedford died in London on July 28, 1585. He was buried at the family chapel at St. Michael's Church near Chenies Manor House. This was his main home, and Queen Elizabeth had even visited him there in 1570. His grandson, Edward Russell (1572–1627), became the 3rd Earl of Bedford after him.
Notable Descendants
Through his grandson, Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford (1587–1641), Francis Russell was the great-grandfather of William Russell (1616–1700). William Russell became the 5th Earl of Bedford and was later given the higher titles of Duke of Bedford and Marquess of Tavistock in 1694.
See also
