William Russell, 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh

William Russell, 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh had been one of the younger sons of Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford and Margaret (St. John) Russell.  He got his education from Magdalene College of Oxford University and after his schooling he would spend a few years abroad traveling.

Upon returning to England he went to Ireland as a soldier in 1580.  He was to take part in some battles here and he was knighted in September of 1581 for his valor while fighting.  In 1585 he would join the English forces in the Netherlands.  It was here that he was made the lieutenant-general of the cavalry.  In September 1586 he would distinguish himself at Zutphen.  In doing this the enemy (Spain) pronounced him to be a devil and not a man.

By 1587 William had became governor of Flushing succeeding his late friend, Sir Philip Sidney.  This would not last as he would disagree and come into conflict with his superiors and decided to return to England in July of 1588.

In May 1594 William was made lord deputy of Ireland in place of Sir William Fitzwilliam.  He had been sent to relieve Ennis Killen, but his attempts to capture the rebel leaders consisting of Hugh O Neill, Earl of Tyrone and Fiagh Mac Hugh O’Byrne did not happen.  The result of the failure of their capture in May of 1595 Sir John Norris landed in Ireland, his orders being to help William with this difficult task.

William became upset with the choice of who was sent to help, as he and Norris weren’t very good friends, but for a short time they worked together against the rebels in Northern Ireland. William then led an expedition into Connaught, but soon he and Norris were at variance.  Having captured O’Byrne in May of 1597, he took leave of his office and would leave Ireland within the month.

In 1603 he was created Baron Russell of Thornhaugh.  He died on the 9th of August 1613.  In 1627 his only son Francis succeeded his cousin Edward as the 4th earl of Bedford.