Peter the Great remains one of Russia’s most infamous Tsars. Known for his extensive political, social, and cultural reforms, Peter worked tirelessly to bring Russia into the modern age. However, those ideas didn’t just come from Peter himself. In the 1690s, he travelled extensively to other European courts. He wanted to experience and soak up as much culture and knowledge as possible. And that included a visit to England. Over three months, he enjoyed everything that London and the rest of England had to over. So, Peter the Great in London: what happened?
This striking portrait of Peter was painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller in 1698. Included in the Russia: Royalty and the Romanovs exhibition, it is impressive to see in person. And it came from a fateful dinner with King William III. William had given Peter a yacht, and Peter set out across Europe to broaden his (and Russia’s) cultural horizons. He also worked to strengthen political and military ties, and improve Russia’s military.
Peter arrived in England on 11 January 1698, and stayed until 21 April of that year. He was particularly interested the docks and shipyards, and military artillery. He and his friends also spent a great deal of time drinking and carousing. Although his visit to England would influence him for years to come, Peter did not have the same influence on those he met in England.
He was described by a man in Oxford as “a very uncouth fellow with a black long wig… He stoop’d much, his hands dirty and scratch’d as if itchy and his face untrim’d”. (Lee Prosser, ed. Kensington Palace: Essential Tales. Historic Royal Palaces: Surrey, 2011.p.16) He put off dining with William for a few weeks, but finally accepted the invitation for 23 January. It is then that William asked him to sit for Kneller. He did eventually cut off funding for the Russian Tsar and friends, so that he would continue on his way…
Peter the Great in London: good fun or tiring monarch?
Cheers,
The Historian
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