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Richard ChenslorEnglish navigator
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- 1553 Expedition to the Arctic
- Arrival in Russia
- Invitation to Moscow
- Audience with the Tsar
- Return to England
- Successful Mission
- Establishment of the Muscovy Company
- Trade Agreement and Privileges
- Tragic End
Early Life and Career
Richard Chancellor, a renowned English navigator, played a pivotal role in establishing trade relations between England and Russia. Born in Bristol, England, his early life and career remain shrouded in mystery.
1553 Expedition to the Arctic
In 1553, King Edward VI of England commissioned three ships to sail to the Arctic Ocean in search of a Northeast Passage to Asia. Chancellor led the expedition as pilot aboard one of the ships. During the voyage, the ships became separated in a storm. Two of them perished near the coast of Russian Lapland, while Chancellor's ship successfully reached the White Sea.
Arrival in Russia
On August 24, 1553, Chancellor's ship anchored in the Dvina Gulf at Saint Nicholas Bay. He and his crew encountered local residents who informed them that the coast belonged to Russia. Upon declaring their intention to deliver a letter from the English king to the Tsar, they were met with hospitality and provided with provisions.
Invitation to Moscow
News of Chancellor's arrival reached Tsar Ivan the Terrible, who extended an invitation to him to visit Moscow. Chancellor took advantage of this opportunity and traveled to the Russian capital, where he was received with great honor.
Audience with the Tsar
In Moscow, Chancellor presented King Edward's letter to Tsar Ivan. He dined with the Tsar and later held negotiations with boyars, leaving a favorable impression.
Return to England
In February 1554, Chancellor departed Moscow with a letter of response from the Tsar to King Edward. Ivan expressed his desire for friendship with England and welcomed English merchants and ambassadors.
Successful Mission
Upon returning to England, Chancellor delivered Tsar Ivan's letter to Queen Mary, who had succeeded King Edward. His reports of his travels and discoveries brought joy to London.
Establishment of the Muscovy Company
In 1555, Chancellor embarked on a second voyage to Russia with the mission of establishing a formal trade agreement. He sailed with two ships carrying representatives of the newly formed Muscovy Company.
Trade Agreement and Privileges
Tsar Ivan welcomed Chancellor and his companions. He granted English merchants trading privileges throughout Russia, exemption from customs duties, and the authorization of a trading post in Kholmogory.
Tragic End
In 1556, Chancellor set sail for England with four ships loaded with Russian goods. However, a storm scattered the ships. Only one managed to reach London, while the others perished near the Scottish coast. Tragically, Chancellor himself drowned in the disaster, along with the Russian envoy, Osip Nepea.
