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Jerome HorseyEnglish nobleman, diplomat in the 16th-17th centuries
Date of Birth: 01.01.1550
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Jerome Horsey: A Prominent English Diplomat and Writer
- Travels to Russia
- Diplomatic Missions
- Writings on Russia
- Private Life
- Legacy
Jerome Horsey: A Prominent English Diplomat and Writer
Early Life and ConnectionsBorn into a wealthy merchant family in Exeter, Devonshire, Jerome Horsey was the son of William Horsey and Eleanor Peryam. His grandfather, Sir John Horsey II, served as a knight of the shire for Dorset. Jerome's uncle, Sir Edward Horsey, was the captain of the Isle of Wight during the Spanish Armada. Through these connections, Jerome gained access to high-ranking officials, including Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth I's Secretary of State.
Travels to Russia
In 1573, Horsey embarked on his first journey to Russia, where he remained for nearly two decades. His role as an agent for the Muscovy Company initially involved managing its trade operations. However, his diplomatic skills soon became apparent.
In 1580, Horsey was appointed as an ambassador by Ivan IV, delivering supplies to Russia during the Livonian War. Despite allegations of misconduct by the company, Horsey was exonerated. He became a close confidant of Boris Godunov and was present at the Russian court following his secret mission to Queen Elizabeth I.
Diplomatic Missions
Horsey's travels between Russia and England from 1585 to 1590 were marked by important diplomatic missions. He served as an ambassador for both Ivan IV and Fyodor Ivanovich, conveying messages and negotiating alliances. His detailed accounts provide valuable insights into Anglo-Russian relations during this period.
Writings on Russia
Horsey left a significant literary legacy, authoring three distinct works on Russia:
- The Travels of Sir Jerome Horsey: This comprehensive account spanned his experiences from 1573 to 1591. It included detailed descriptions of Russian customs, court life, and historical events, including the death of Ivan IV.
- The Solemn and Magnificent Coronation of Fedor Ivanovich, Emperor of Russia: Published in 1589, this work provided eyewitness testimony of the coronation of Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich.
- Various Letters on Russian Affairs: Horsey's correspondence contained valuable observations on Russian political and social conditions.
Private Life
Horsey is believed to have married three times, with Elizabeth Hampden being his first wife. He had several children, including sons named Edward and John. His second and third marriages were to Isabella Brocket and Elizabeth North, respectively.
Legacy
Jerome Horsey's writings remain an invaluable source of information about Russia in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His diplomatic missions and keen observations provided a unique perspective on Anglo-Russian relations and the complexities of Russian history during a tumultuous period.
