Built / Designed For: Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford.

House & Family History: Russell House was built for Admiral of the Fleet Edward Russell, a military adviser to Prince William of Orange (later William III) and a player in the Glorious Revolution (Russell was one of the Immortal Seven, a group of English noblemen who issued the Invitation to William, a document asking Prince William to depose King James II). As a reward for his support, William made Russell an admiral and treasurer of the Royal Navy in 1689, earl of Orford in 1697, and first lord of the Admiralty in 1714. Russell married his cousin, Lady Margaret Russell, youngest daughter of the 5th Earl of Bedford (later the 1st Duke of Bedford); they had no children. The admiral died in 1727; in 1728 his family sold the House, which became The Grand Hotel, a purpose it served until 1880. By 1882 Russell House had become the Falstaff Club, a private members' club whose patron was the prince of Wales (later Edward VII). The club closed in 1936 and Russell House limped through World War II, after which it was divided into offices. In 2000 the House was converted to condos. William and Mary visited Russell and his wife at Russell House. A 1693 staircase (signed by Marot), made from the timbers of HMS "Britannia," a 100-gun first rate Royal Navy ship of the line launched in 1682, originally at Russell House, was installed at South Walsham Hall in 1943.

House Listed: Grade II

Park Listed: No Park

Past Seat / Home of: Admiral of the Fleet Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford, 17th-18th centuries.

Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No