Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford, had been a popular and active courtier during the reign of Elizabeth I, following in the footsteps of his father, John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford, a high-ranking councillor during the reigns of the three previous monarchs: Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I.

On 13 March 1555, John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford, Lord Privy Seal, died at his Westminster home, 'Russell House'.

On This Day (27 Aug) in 1562, Margaret St John, Lady Russell, Countess of Bedford, died from smallpox at Woburn Abbey.