The History of Putnoe in Bedford

The Duke of Bedford (1774 to 1883)

The Duke of Bedford for this period was in fact 5 people.

Francis Russell (1765 - 1802), 5th duke of Bedford from 1771, purchased Putnoe from the Duchess of Marlboroughs estate in 1774. He was an active Whig politician and one of the friends of the Prince of Wales (later George IV). The Duke of Bedford was apparently a notable stockbreeder.

His younger brother, John Russell (1766 - 1839) succeeded him in 1802, becoming 6th Duke of Bedford. He was know as a Whig radical, continuing in politics as his predecessors.

His eldest son, Francis Russell (1788 - 1861), acceded to 7th Duke of Bedford in 1839, followed in 1861 by his only son, William Russell (1809 - 1872) who became the 8th Duke of Bedford.

Whilst owning the Putnoe Estate, the Duke of Bedford leased it to various tenant farmers. The arrangements were generally administered by the Dukes estate manager based at Woburn. The Farmer was of high social status and would certainly have been considered locally as Gentry.

The 1841 census records that William Best occupied Putnoe Farm as the farmer, sharing the it with the Richardson family, who he employed as agricultural labourers. In 1843 lease of the farm was taken by Henry Dyott Boulton and his family. At this time the state of the land drainage was found to be in such a poor condition that a reduced rent was agreed. It was also evident that Putnoe Farm, then known as Putnoe (or Puttenhoe) House, was in need of significant remedial work. In the early years of his occupation it seems that Henry Boulton organised the straightening and improvement of the drainage stream along the northern edge of Putnoe Wood (See C18th Century Map for the original meandering stream line). He also rebuilt part of the main Farm building constructing a decent road to it. Boulton seems to have prospered on the land, employing 17 men and 5 boys on the land as well as housemaids, and a cook. A lodge was built (Putnoe Lodge) at the entrance to the Farm driveway, and was occupied by Boultons Farm bailiff and agricultural labourers.

Since William Russell (The 8th Duke) had no children, the 9th Duke of Bedford (from 1872) was his cousin Francis Charles Hastings Russell (1819 - 1891).

By 1877 John Horrell had taken over the lease of Putnoe Farm. In 1881 he employed 15 men and 7 boys on the estate, as well as various domestic staff including a Governess (Teacher), Cook, housemaid, and nursemaid. He continued to occupy the farm after its sale by the 9th Duke of Bedford to Charles Pope of Sandy, a Miller, for £25,131 in 1883.

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Duke of Bedford
HOME Clubs & Societies Contact us Events & News Guestbook History Local Links Maps Photos Search the Web Weather	The Duke of Bedford (1774 to 1883) The Duke of Bedford for this period was in fact 5 people. Francis Russell (1765 - 1802), 5th duke of Bedford from 1771, purchased Putnoe from the Duchess of Marlboroughs estate in 1774. He was an active Whig politician and one of the friends of the Prince of Wales (later George IV). The Duke of Bedford was apparently a notable stockbreeder. His younger brother, John Russell (1766 - 1839) succeeded him in 1802, becoming 6th Duke of Bedford. He was know as a Whig radical, continuing in politics as his predecessors. His eldest son, Francis Russell (1788 - 1861), acceded to 7th Duke of Bedford in 1839, followed in 1861 by his only son, William Russell (1809 - 1872) who became the 8th Duke of Bedford. Whilst owning the Putnoe Estate, the Duke of Bedford leased it to various tenant farmers. The arrangements were generally administered by the Dukes estate manager based at Woburn. The Farmer was of high social status and would certainly have been considered locally as Gentry. The 1841 census records that William Best occupied Putnoe Farm as the farmer, sharing the it with the Richardson family, who he employed as agricultural labourers. In 1843 lease of the farm was taken by Henry Dyott Boulton and his family. At this time the state of the land drainage was found to be in such a poor condition that a reduced rent was agreed. It was also evident that Putnoe Farm, then known as Putnoe (or Puttenhoe) House, was in need of significant remedial work. In the early years of his occupation it seems that Henry Boulton organised the straightening and improvement of the drainage stream along the northern edge of Putnoe Wood (See C18th Century Map for the original meandering stream line). He also rebuilt part of the main Farm building constructing a decent road to it. Boulton seems to have prospered on the land, employing 17 men and 5 boys on the land as well as housemaids, and a cook. A lodge was built (Putnoe Lodge) at the entrance to the Farm driveway, and was occupied by Boultons Farm bailiff and agricultural labourers. Since William Russell (The 8th Duke) had no children, the 9th Duke of Bedford (from 1872) was his cousin Francis Charles Hastings Russell (1819 - 1891). By 1877 John Horrell had taken over the lease of Putnoe Farm. In 1881 he employed 15 men and 7 boys on the estate, as well as various domestic staff including a Governess (Teacher), Cook, housemaid, and nursemaid. He continued to occupy the farm after its sale by the 9th Duke of Bedford to Charles Pope of Sandy, a Miller, for £25,131 in 1883. <Back to Top>
Navigate this site: Use the side menu, bottom bar or the 'Quick Access' drop down list below to search this site: Quick Access:
HOME - Clubs - Contact - Events - Guestbook - History - Links - Maps - Photos - Search - Weather We make every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this Web. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage which may occur from its use. If you see anything which you think is inaccurate or misleading please contact us. Copyright © 2002 These pages, unless otherwise stated, are copyright protected.