Francis Russell, Marquess Of Tavistock

Francis Russell, Marquess of Tavistock (27 September 1739 – 22 March 1767), was a British politician and heir apparent to the dukedom of Bedford until his death in 1767.

**Early Life**

Born on 27 September 1739, he was the eldest son of John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford, and Lady Gertrude Leveson-Gower. His father was a notable Whig politician who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Privy Seal, Lord President of the Council, and British Ambassador to France. Francis had one sibling, Lady Caroline Russell, who married George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough. His paternal grandparents were Wriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of Bedford, and Elizabeth Howland, heiress of John Howland of Streatham. His maternal grandparents were John Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Gower, and Lady Evelyn Pierrepont, daughter of the 1st Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull.

**Career**

Between 1759 and 1761, Francis served as a Member of Parliament for Armagh Borough in the Irish House of Commons. Subsequently, he represented Bedfordshire in the British House of Commons until 1767. He was recognized as a close friend of Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron Grantham. In 1759, his father, the Duke of Bedford, as Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, appointed him as Colonel of the Bedfordshire Militia, which was being reformed for home defense amid the context of the Seven Years' War. At 19, Francis expressed enthusiasm for military life, describing himself as "militia mad" and emphasizing his passion for military connections. His parents doubted the depth of his interest, suspecting that he was developing a preference for low company, which he denied. His own words reflected a strong attachment to the regiment; he regarded it as his "ruling passion" and described his dedication to military life, even expressing a desire to preserve a painting of his regiment after disembodiment in 1762. When the regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, he facilitated employment opportunities for those unable to find work and emphasized the moral integrity of his soldiers, believing he had succeeded in shaping them into good citizens. In 1761, he was elected as a Bailiff to the Bedford Level Corporation and held this position until his death.

**Personal Life**

On 8 June 1764, Francis married Lady Elizabeth Keppel (1739–1768), youngest child of Willem Anne van Keppel, 2nd Earl of Albemarle. Lady Elizabeth had served as one of Queen Charlotte’s ten bridesmaids at her wedding to King George III. The couple had three sons:

- Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford (1765–1802), who did not marry.

- John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford (1766–1839), who married Hon. Georgiana Byng, daughter of George Byng, 4th Viscount Torrington.

- Lord William Russell (1767–1840), who married Lady Charlotte Villiers, daughter of the 4th Earl of Jersey.

Francis Russell died in 1767 after falling from his horse during a hunting accident. His eldest son succeeded his grandfather as the 5th Duke of Bedford in 1771. His widow died two years later from tuberculosis.