Edward Russell
Edward Russell was a Whig politician, Naval officer, and member of the Parliament.
Contents
History
Russell entered the Royal Naval in 1666 and rapidly rose through the officer corps in the Third Anglo-Dutch War.
That did not prevent Russell from becoming an early supporter for William's claim; he participated in planning the Glorious Revolution. He won election to Parliament in the ensuing election and entered government. As an admiral now, he commanded the French blockade during the Nine Years War. He quickly was made commander-in-chief for the Williamite War. He was created earl of Orford, baron of Shingay, and Viscount Barfleur in 1697.
Anne succeeded in 1702 and dismissed all Whigs from government. As the War of Spanish Succession dragged on though, her government came to be dominated by a Whig Junto that included Somers, Montagu, Wharton, and Russell.
This government fell in 1710, in the context of the Sacheverell riots.