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William Russell, 1st Duke of Bedford

Image credit: National Portrait Gallery, London

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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. In this portrait the sitter wears the red coronation robes of a Duke beneath the blue mantle of a Knight of the Order of the Garter, folded back on one side to reveal its white lining. The Duke wears the chain of the Order of the Garter, with a jewelled pendant showing Saint George killing the dragon.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

William Russell, 1st Duke of Bedford

Date

c.1692

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 245.1 x W 153.7 cm

Accession number

298

Acquisition method

Purchased, 1870. On long-term loan to Beningbrough Hall, Yorkshire

Work type

Painting

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National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

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