Francis Russell, 7th Duke of Bedford (1788-1861), Marquess of Tavistock from 1802 to 1839, was also a Whig politician and British peer.
Tavistock owes much of its present form to the Duke. Having made a lot of money from mining, he funded a great deal of restoration around the town and also built houses for the workers.
You'll find this statue, which was erected by public subscription in 1864, in the middle of a small car park beside the magistrates court in Tavistock.
I think it's a great pity that this area has not been made into gardens, or at least, an attractive courtyard, instead of an ugly car park, especially as it's surrounded by beautiful old buildings of historical significance. read more