John Russell, 1st Earl Russell
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, KG, GCMG, PC (18 August 1792 – 28 May 1878) was an English Whig and Liberal politician. He served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century.
The Rt Hon The Earl Russell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Prime Minister of the United Kingdom | |
| In office 30 June 1846 – 23 February 1852 29 October 1865 – 28 June 1866 | |
| Preceded by | Sir Robert Peel, Bt The Viscount Palmerston |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Derby |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 August 1792 London, England |
| Died | 28 May 1878 (aged 85) |
| Political party | Whig and Liberal |
Biography
Russell was known as "Lord John Russell", which is called a courtesy title. As the third son of the then Duke of Bedford, he was entitled to use one of the family's lower titles. Before becoming Prime Minister, he served in other important posts, such as Home Secretary, Colonial Secretary and Foreign Secretary.
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell Media
Russell served on the Royal Commission for the Great Exhibition, which took place in 1851 while he was Prime Minister. In this group portrait of the Commissioners, by Henry Wyndham Phillips, Russell is depicted standing behind Prince Albert (fifth from right).
Detail of Russell's portrait by Francis Grant, 1853
Russell's first wife Adelaide (1807-1838)
"The greatest liberal statesman of modern times" - Russell's small stature was frequently lampooned by political caricaturists.
