Georgiana Russell, Duchess of Bedford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Bedford
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Stipple engraving, 1806
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| Born | 18 July 1781 Gordon Castle, Scotland
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| Died | 24 February 1853 (aged 71) |
| Spouse(s) |
John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford
(m. 1803) |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) | Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon Jane Maxwell |
Georgiana Russell, Duchess of Bedford (born July 18, 1781 – died February 24, 1853) was an important British noblewoman. She was also known as Lady Georgiana Gordon before her marriage. Georgiana was a supporter of the arts and the wife of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford.
She was born at Gordon Castle in Scotland. Her parents were Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon, and his first wife, Jane. In 1802, her mother took Georgiana to Paris. They hoped she might marry Eugène de Beauharnais, who was Napoleon's stepson. However, this plan did not work out due to political reasons.
Her mother then arranged for Georgiana to become engaged to Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford. Sadly, he died before they could marry. Georgiana later married his younger brother, who had inherited the title.
Early Life and Family
Georgiana's mother was known for hosting many parties. These events took place first in Edinburgh and then in London. Georgiana grew up in a lively social environment.
Marriage and Family Life
On June 23, 1803, Georgiana married John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford. He was already a well-known politician. Georgiana was his second wife. Her wedding dress was so fancy that people called it the "Georgiana Frock." The couple spent their honeymoon at Woburn Abbey. John Russell was fifteen years older than Georgiana. He had three sons from his first marriage.
Georgiana's mother was very good at finding noble husbands for all her daughters. Two of Georgiana's sisters, Charlotte and Susan, also became duchesses.
The Duke and Duchess of Bedford had ten children together. These included seven sons and three daughters:
- Reverend Lord Wriothesley Russell (1804–1886)
- Admiral Lord Edward Russell (1805–1887)
- Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Charles James Fox Russell (1807–1894)
- Francis John Russell (born 1805), who joined the Navy.
- Lady Georgiana Elizabeth Russell (1810–1867)
- Lady Louisa Jane Russell (1812–1905)
- Francis John Russell (born 1816), who also joined the Navy.
- Lord Cosmo Russell (1817–1875)
- General Lord Alexander Russell (1821–1907)
- Lady Rachel Evelyn Russell (1826–1898)
In 1806, Georgiana went with her husband to Ireland. He served there for a year as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. She also helped him manage his large estate. People said she had a strong sense of fairness.
In 1823, Georgiana met the artist Edwin Landseer. He was hired to paint her portrait. Landseer also gave her art lessons. The Duke and Duchess paid Landseer well for the painting. Georgiana had a strong interest in art and continued to pursue it. She even rented Doune House in Scotland as a quiet place to work on her art.
Life as a Dowager Duchess
After her husband, the Duke, passed away in 1839, Georgiana moved to Endsleigh House in Devon. Woburn Abbey became the property of her stepson, Francis Russell, 7th Duke of Bedford. Endsleigh House had been built by the Duke during their marriage. Its gardens were designed by Humphry Repton.
The Dowager Duchess also kept living at Bedford Lodge in Kensington, London. She made it a popular place for social gatherings. Duchess of Bedford's Walk in Kensington is named after her. After her husband's death, her finances were a bit tight.
Death
Georgiana, Duchess of Bedford, died in Nice, France, on February 23, 1853. She was 71 years old. She chose to be buried in the cemetery of the English church in Nice. This was different from the usual burial place for the Bedford family at Chenies.
