“A Very Improper Friend”: the Influence of Jowett and Oxford on Frank Russell

Abstract

The life of Frank Russell, the second Earl and Bertrand’s older broth­er, was characterized by conflict as he repeatedly chose to follow paths that defied convention, carved out by and faithful to his own peculiar moral convictions. His conflict with Jowett, Master of Balliol, led to his expulsion from Oxford and changed the course of his life. Using a range of primary sources, this paper questions previously published accounts of the events that took place and reviews the consequences of the actions of those involved, within the social and political context of the time.