Russell was born on 18 August 1792 into the highest echelons of the British aristocracy, being the third son of John Russell, later 6th Duke of Bedford, and Georgiana Byng, … See more

Appointment
Russell took office as prime minister with the Whigs only a minority in the House of Commons. It was the bitter split in the Conservative Party … See more

In opposition: February–December 1852
Following Russell's resignation, on the 23 February 1852 the Earl of Derby accepted the Queen's invitation to form a government. The … See more

Marriages and children
Russell married Adelaide Lister (widow of Thomas Lister, 2nd Baron Ribblesdale, who had died in 1832 ) on 11 April 1835. Together they had … See more

Backbench MP: 1813–1830
Russell entered the House of Commons as a Whig in 1813 at the age of 20. The future reformer … See more

When Palmerston suddenly died in late 1865, Russell again became prime minister. His second premiership was short and frustrating, and Russell failed in his great ambition of … See more

Scion of one of the most powerful aristocratic families, Russell was a leading reformer who weakened the power of the aristocracy. His great achievements, wrote A. J. P. Taylor, were based on his persistent battles in Parliament over the years on behalf of … See more