Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford [42973] ²⁵

  General Notes:

http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/RUSSELL.htm#Francis%20RUSSELL%20(4°%20E.%20Bedford)

Baron Russell of Thornhaugh, co. Northampton, being only son and heir of William, Lord Russell of Thornhaugh (so created 21 Jul 1603), by Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Henry Long. He was born 1593, attended his father in Ireland, when a youth, was knighted 30 Mar 1607, and succeeded to his father's Peerage 9 Aug 1613. Custos Rot. 1619, and Lord Lieutenant of Devon, 1623, both till his death. In 1630 he undertook the great work of draining the fens in the counties of Northampton, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Norfolk and Lincoln, called from him "the Bedford level". He is said to have been Grand Master of Freemasons 1635-36. Though of the popular party, his moderation was such that he had undertaken to preserve Lord Stafford's life. He wsa one of the 16 'popular' noblemen, named by the King, Sep 1640, to treat with the Scots at Ripon. P.C. 19 Feb 1641; the King also had resolved to make him Lord High Treasurer, but his premature death prevented the accomplishment thereof. He married (settlement dat. 22 Feb.) 26 Feb 1608/9, at St. Mary le Strand, Catherine, daughter and coheir of Giles Brydges, 3rd Baron Chandos of Sudeley, by Frances, daughter of Edward Clinton, Earl of Lincoln <http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Bios/EdwardClintonFiennes(1ELincoln).htm>. He died 9 May 1641, of the small pox, and was buried at Chenies, aged about 48. Will dated 14 Oct 1639, pr. 8 Feb 1642. His widow died 29 Jan, and was buried 16 Feb 1656/7, with him. M.I.".

Francis married Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford [42972] [MRIN: 551609610], daughter of Giles Brydges 3rd Baron Chandos of Sudeley [40716] and Frances Clinton Fiennes Baroness Chandos of Sudeley [40717], on 26 Feb 1607/08 in St Mary Le Strand, London, Middlesex, England. (Catherine Brydges Countess Bedford [42972] was born between 1583 and 1597 in Sudeley Manor, Gloucestershire, England, died between 29 Jan 1656/57 and was buried on 16 Feb 1656/57 in Chenies, Buckinghamshire, England.)