Rachel Russell, Baroness Russell

Rachel, Lady Russell (née Wriothesley RYE-əths-lee), was born around 1636 in Titchfield, Hampshire, and died on 29 September 1723. She was an English noblewoman, heiress, and writer, known for her correspondence and written works.

Family and Early Life:

Lady Rachel was the second eldest daughter of Thomas Wriothesley, 4th Earl of Southampton, and his first wife, Rachel de Massue. Her maternal grandparents were Daniel de Massue, Seigneur de Rouvigny, and Madeleine de Pinot des Fontaines. She received a religious upbringing and remained a devout Anglican throughout her life.

Marriages and Children:

In 1653, Rachel married her first husband, Francis Vaughan, Lord Vaughan, the eldest son of Richard Vaughan, 2nd Earl of Carbery. Following the marriage, she resided at Golden Grove in Carmarthen, Wales. They had a child born in 1655 who died shortly after birth. Rachel was widowed in 1667, the same year her father died, leading her to inherit her family estate. From her first marriage, there is no record of surviving children.

In 1669, she married her second husband, William, Lord Russell, who was three years her junior. Their marriage license was issued in Titchfield on 31 July 1669, and they married on 20 August 1669. William, Lord Russell, was implicated in the Rye House Plot of 1683, a conspiracy aimed at assassinating King Charles II and his brother James, Duke of York. He was subsequently convicted of treason, and despite Lady Russell’s efforts to save him—including pleading directly with the King and attempting to secure a pardon—he was executed on 21 July 1683. Her father-in-law, the Earl of Bedford, also sought clemency, offering large sums for a pardon, but to no avail. The attainder was later reversed during the reign of William III and Mary II.

Rachel and William Russell had four children:

- Anne Russell (born 13 December 1671; died April 1672),

- Rachel Russell (January 1674 – 28 December 1725), who married William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire,

- Catherine Russell (23 August 1676 – 30 October 1711), who married John Manners, 2nd Duke of Rutland,

- Wriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of Bedford (1 November 1680 – 26 May 1711), who married Elizabeth Howland.

Rye House Plot and Imprisonment:

In 1683, Lord Russell was involved in the Rye House Plot, which aimed to prevent a Catholic succession by ambushing King Charles II and his brother James, Duke of York. The plot was uncovered, and Lord Russell was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London. Lady Russell served as his secretary during the trial, which resulted in a conviction of treason primarily based on hearsay evidence. Despite her efforts, including pleas to the King and her presence at her husband's execution, her husband's death was carried out. Following political changes, the attainder was eventually reversed via legislation passed during the reign of William III and Mary II.

Literary Contributions and Legacy:

Lady Russell was an active writer, producing a significant corpus of letters, diaries, essays, a catechism, and instructions for children. Her letters, especially those to her husband and to prominent figures like Archbishop John Tillotson, have been recognized for their quality and insight into 17th-century domestic life. These were published in 1773 and later edited editions, notably in 1853 by Earl Russell, include annotations and scholarly commentary. Seven portraits of Lady Russell are held in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Death and Burial:

Lady Russell died at Southampton House in Bloomsbury, London, on 29 September 1723, approximately 87 years old. She was buried beside her husband in the Bedford Chapel at the Parish Church of Chenies, Buckinghamshire, on 8 October 1723.