William Russell, 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh

Who was William Russell, 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh?

William Russell, 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh was a younger son of Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford. His birthdate is uncertain, with some records showing that he was born as early as 1553, some as late as 1563. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, and in September 1581 he was knighted.

Russell began his active military career in the Netherlands, and was noted for maintaining an effective fighting force in difficult circumstances. He was appointed to the office of Governor of Flushing, and in 1594 to the office of Lord Deputy of Ireland, where he served with flamboyance.

At the time, Ireland was on the point of rebellion, and there were two opinions in government on how to preserve the peace. One faction sought negotiation with the Irish rebels, while the other - including Russell - favoured military force. Russell's faction prevailed, and the rebellion grew into a general revolt, which lasted through the Nine Years War and ended with the Treaty of Mellifont in 1603.

During his time in Ireland, Russell fell into dispute with his chief military commander, Sir John Norris.