John Finch (ambassador) facts for kids
Sir John Finch (1626–1682) was an important person from England who worked as an ambassador. An ambassador is like a special representative for their country in another land. Sir John Finch served England in the Ottoman Empire, which was a very powerful empire long ago.
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Who Was Sir John Finch?
Sir John Finch came from a well-known family called the Finches of Burley-on-the-Hill. His older brother was Sir Heneage Finch, 1st Earl of Nottingham, who held a very high position in the government. Sir John also had a half-sister, Lady Anne Conway, who was a famous thinker and philosopher. Both Anne and John Finch were students of Henry More.
Early Life and Education
John Finch went to Eton College, a famous school. After Eton, he studied at Christ's College, Cambridge. There, he was taught by Henry More, a well-known scholar. It was at Christ's College that John Finch met Sir Thomas Baines. They became lifelong friends.
A Special Friendship
John Finch and Thomas Baines traveled together on a "Grand Tour" of Italy. This was a common trip for young, educated people at the time. While in Italy, they both studied medicine and graduated from the University of Padua in 1656.
After their travels, Finch and Baines returned to Christ's College in 1660. They became teachers there and were also chosen as fellows of the Royal Society. This society is a group of important scientists.
Diplomat in Italy
Finch and Baines went back to Italy from 1665 to 1670. During this time, Sir John Finch worked as a diplomat. He was the English Minister to the Ducal Court in Florence. This meant he represented England to the rulers of that area.
Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire
On March 18, 1674, Sir John Finch became the ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople. He took over this important role from his uncle, Heneage Finch, 3rd Earl of Winchilsea, and his cousin, Daniel Harvey.
While he was ambassador, Sir John Finch faced challenges. He was often outsmarted by the Ottoman leaders, known as Grand Viziers, like Ahmet Köprülü and Kara Mustafa. Other British people living in Constantinople during Finch's time included the Reverend John Covel and the merchant Sir Dudley North. Their letters and writings help us understand what Finch's time as ambassador was like.
Sir John Finch left Turkey in November 1681.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir John Finch died in Florence, Italy, in 1682. He passed away from a lung illness called pleurisy. He is buried at Christ's College, Cambridge.
Sir John Finch and his lifelong friend, Thomas Baines, are remembered together. Baines had died earlier in Constantinople. An impressive monument was built to honor both of them. Their portraits, painted by the artist Carlo Dolci from Florence, can be seen at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.
