William Russell, 1st Duke of Bedford
(1616-1700), Soldier and Privy CounsellorEarly Stuart Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter associated with 16 portraits
During the Civil War, William Russell changed sides twice. After the Restoration in 1660, he disagreed with the new King as well. In 1683 he could not prevent his son and heir, Lord William Russell, from being executed for his involvement in the Rye House plot - a failed attempt to assassinate Charles II and his brother the Duke of York. Russell then retired from politics, but he again rose to prominence under William and Mary, who awarded him a Dukedom. He died aged eighty-four, having lived through four different monarchies and a republic.
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