Gertrude Leveson-Gower

Gertrude Russell, Duchess of Bedford (15 February 1715 – 1 July 1794), was born as the Honorable Gertrude Leveson-Gower. She was the eldest daughter of John Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Gower, and Lady Evelyn Pierrepont.

On 2 April 1737, she married John Russell, who was at the time the Earl of Bedford. His first wife, Lady Diana Spencer, died in 1735 due to tuberculosis. Lady Diana Spencer was the mother of John Russell's only child, John Russell, Marquess of Tavistock, who died in infancy. Gertrude's marriage to the Duke of Bedford made her the duchess consort at Woburn Abbey.

Following her marriage, she brought her former nurse, Mrs Cradock, into her household; Mrs Cradock's son, Thomas, became a clergyman and poet.

The duchess was noted in contemporary accounts; Horace Walpole described her as "stingy" and "avaricious." In 1748, she hosted a ball attended by King George II, which was described by Henry Fielding as "a most noble entertainment." She was reported to understand the importance of courtly appearances and social graces, and in 1762, she attended the French court at Versailles in an ambassadorial capacity.

She had an interest in the arts; her portrait was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1756, and this work is held at Woburn Abbey. She was also painted by Thomas Hudson. She is believed to have been an amateur artist, although her skill level is considered limited.

Gertrude and John Russell had two children:

- Francis Russell, Marquess of Tavistock (1739–1767), who married Lady Elizabeth Keppel and had children, including Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford, and John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford. The Marquess of Tavistock died in a riding accident.

- Lady Caroline Russell (1743–1811), who married George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough, and had children.

Gertrude Russell died at the age of 79 and was buried on 7 July 1794 at Chenies, Buckinghamshire. The name Gower Street in London is named in her honor.