Family and Education

b. 6 July 1766, 2nd s. of Francis, Mq. of Tavistock, and bro. of Lord William Russell.  educ. Westminster.  m. (1) 21 Mar. 1786, Georgiana (d. 11 Oct. 1801), da. of George, 4th Visct. Torrington, 3s.; (2) 23 June 1803, Lady Georgiana Gordon, da. of Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon [S], 7s. 3da.  suc. bro. as 6th Duke of Bedford 2 Mar. 1802; K.G. 25 Nov. 1830.

Offices Held

Ensign 3 Ft. Gds. Mar. 1783, ret. Apr. 1785.

P.C. 12 Feb. 1806; Ld. lt. [1] Feb. 1806-Apr. 1807.

Biography

Lord John Russell’s first attempt to enter Parliament was at the age of 21, when he declared himself a candidate for a by-election at Windsor, but declined before the poll. He came in for the family borough of Tavistock a year later on the death of Richard Rigby, and voted from the beginning with the Opposition.

He died 20 Oct. 1839.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: J. A. Cannon

Notes