Geoffrey Russell, 4th Baron Ampthill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Ampthill
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Lord Ampthill in 2008
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| Member of the House of Lords | |
| as a hereditary peerage 21 May 1976 – 11 November 1999 |
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| Preceded by | The 3rd Baron Ampthill |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| as an elected hereditary peer 11 November 1999 – 23 April 2011 |
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| Election | 1999 |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | The 5th Viscount Colville of Culross |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Geoffrey Denis Erskine Russell
15 October 1921 |
| Died | 23 April 2011 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Crossbench |
| Spouses | (1) Susan Winn; (2) Elisabeth Mallon |
| Children | 4, including David |
| Parent |
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| Alma mater | Stowe School |
Geoffrey Denis Erskine Russell, 4th Baron Ampthill (born 15 October 1921 – died 23 April 2011) was a British businessman and a member of the House of Lords. He held the title of Baron Ampthill. His right to this title was challenged in a famous legal case.
Contents
Who Was Lord Ampthill?
Geoffrey Denis Erskine Russell was known as the 4th Baron Ampthill. He was a British peer, which means he held a special title passed down through his family. He was also a successful businessman. Later in his life, he became an important member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament.
Early Life and World War II Service
Geoffrey Russell went to Stowe School when he was younger. This is a well-known school in England.
During the Second World War, he joined the Irish Guards. He became a captain in 1941. He fought in France in 1944 and was injured there. He also served in Norway in 1945.
A Career in Business and Theatre
After the war, Russell had a busy career in business. From 1947 to 1951, he was the general manager of Fortnum & Mason. This is a famous department store in London.
He then became the chairman of the New Providence Hotel until 1965. He also worked in theatre. He owned and managed a company called Linnet & Dunfee. This company produced the popular musical Salad Days. He did this from 1953 until 1981.
Later, he was a director for big newspaper companies. These included United Newspapers and Express Newspapers. He also chaired London's Helicopter Emergency Service. This service helps people in emergencies.
Becoming the 4th Baron Ampthill
Geoffrey Russell became the Baron Ampthill in 1973. This happened after his father passed away. However, his right to the title was challenged by his half-brother. This led to a legal case about who should inherit the title.
In 1976, a special group in Parliament, called the Committee for Privileges, decided in favour of Geoffrey. This meant he was officially recognized as the 4th Baron Ampthill.
Serving in the House of Lords
As Baron Ampthill, Geoffrey Russell became a member of the House of Lords. This is the upper house of the UK Parliament. He sat as a crossbencher.
What is a Crossbencher?
In the House of Lords, members usually belong to a political party. But crossbenchers do not belong to any party. They sit on special benches in the middle of the chamber. They make decisions based on their own views, not party rules.
Important Roles in Parliament
Lord Ampthill held important positions in the House of Lords. From 1983, he was a deputy speaker. This means he helped lead debates when the main speaker was not there.
From 1992 to 1994, he was the Chairman of Committees. This is a very important role. He oversaw the work of many committees in the House of Lords.
He received an award called a CBE in 1986. In 1995, he became a Privy Counsellor. This is a special honour given to senior politicians.
Staying in the House of Lords
In 1999, a new law called the House of Lords Act 1999 changed how the House of Lords worked. Most hereditary peers, like Lord Ampthill, lost their automatic right to sit there.
However, Lord Ampthill was one of ninety hereditary peers who were elected to stay. He was chosen by all the members of the House to continue serving. He was one of fifteen peers elected to be available as deputy speakers. He continued to serve until 2011.
Family Life
In 1946, Lord Ampthill married Susan Winn. They had three sons and one daughter. They later divorced in 1971.
In 1972, he married Elisabeth Mallon. They divorced in 1987. His first-born son, David Russell, inherited the title after his father's death.
