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2 unusual facts about Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford


Houghton Conquest

In 1794, Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford stripped Houghton House of its furnishings and removed the roof.

Richard FitzPatrick

In 1770, Fitzpatrick became Member of Parliament for Okehampton, where he served until 1774, when he was elected in Tavistock, a constituency controlled by his cousin, Francis Russell, 5th Duke of Bedford.


Fenny Stratford railway station

The station buildings are in a half-timbered Gothic Revival style that had been insisted upon by the 7th Duke of Bedford for stations close to the Woburn Estate.

Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford

He did not wish to alter the government of the church, was on good terms with Archbishop Laud, and, although convinced of the guilt of Strafford, was anxious to save his life.

He was greatly trusted by John Pym and Oliver St John, and is mentioned by Clarendon as among the “great contrivers and designers” in the House of Lords.

Francis Russell, 7th Duke of Bedford

Russell died in 1861, aged 73, and was buried on 22 May at Chenies, Buckinghamshire.

Malet Street

Named after Sir Edward Malet who was married to Lady Ermyntrude Sackville Russell, daughter of Francis Russell, 9th Duke of Bedford who owned much of the surrounding area.

Piazza

When the Earl of Bedford developed Covent Garden - the first private-venture public square built in London - his architect Inigo Jones surrounded it with arcades, in the Italian fashion.


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