Geoffrey Denis Erskine Russell, 4th Baron Ampthill, CBE, PC (born 15 October 1921) is a British peer and businessman.

Educated at Stowe School, Russell served in the Irish Guards 1941-46, becoming Captain in 1944. He married Susan Winn in 1946, whom he divorced in 1971; they had three sons and a daughter. He then married Elisabeth Mallon in 1972, divorcing in 1987.

Russell was General manager of Fortnum & Mason 1947-51 then Chairman of the New Providence Hotel until 1965. He was Managing Director of theatre owning and producing companies and a Director of United Newspapers and Express Newspapers. He was also Chairman of London's Helicopter Emergency Service.

Russell succeeded as Baron Ampthill in 1973, upon the death of his father, John Russell, 3rd Baron Ampthill. His succession had been disputed in the 'Ampthill Baby Case'. His father had petitioned to disclaim paternity whilst divorcing Russell's mother, Christabel Hulme Hart, in 1923, claiming non-consummation. The petition was rejected on appeal and Russell's mother was granted a declaration that he was legitimate.^[1]

In 1992 he became Chairman of Committees of the House of Lords and Deputy Speaker. He was awarded the CBE in 1986—following in the footsteps of his father who was also awarded the CBE—and made a Privy Counsellor in 1995. Following the removal of the hereditary peers from the House of Lords in 1999, he was elected to continue to sit as a crossbencher.

[edit] References

• Leigh Rayment's Peerage Page