Peter Wyche (ambassador) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Peter Wyche
|
|
|---|---|
| Comptroller of the King's Household | |
| In office 1641–1643 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Thomas Jermyn |
| Succeeded by | Christopher Hatton, 1st Baron Hatton |
| British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire | |
| In office 1627–1641 |
|
| Preceded by | Sir Thomas Roe |
| Succeeded by | Sir Sackville Crowe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1593 |
| Died | 7 October 1643 (aged 49–50) Oxford, Oxfordshire, England |
| Spouse |
Jane Meredith
(m. 1627) |
| Relations | Richard Saltonstall (grandfather) Nathaniel Wyche (brother) |
| Parents | Richard Wyche Elizabeth Saltonstall |
Sir Peter Wyche (born around 1593 – died October 7, 1643) was an important English diplomat and merchant. He served as the English Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1627 to 1641. He also held a special role as a Privy Counsellor, advising the King.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Peter Wyche was the sixth son of Richard Wyche, who was a successful merchant. His mother was Elizabeth Saltonstall. Her father, Sir Richard Saltonstall, was once the Lord Mayor of London. Peter's brother, Nathaniel Wyche, also became a merchant and even led the East India Company. This shows that Peter came from a family with strong business connections.
A Career in Service
King Charles I made Peter Wyche a knight in 1626. This was a big honor! Soon after, he was chosen to be the English Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. This meant he was England's main representative in a powerful empire far away.
Sir Peter arrived in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in 1628. He stayed there for many years, until 1639. During his time as ambassador, he helped make trade easier for England. For example, he managed to lower the taxes on English cloth being sold in the Ottoman Empire. This was good for English businesses.
He also welcomed scholars and travelers, like John Greaves and Edward Pococke, into the British embassy. Pococke even worked as a temporary chaplain there for a few years.
A Royal Visit
An interesting story from his time in Constantinople involves his wife, Jane. She visited the Sultana, the wife of the Sultan, in her harem. The Sultana was very surprised by the English ladies' farthingales. These were large hoops worn under skirts to make them wide. The Sultana wondered if all English women naturally had such an unusual shape!
Return to England
When Sir Peter returned to England, he continued to serve the King. In 1641, he became a Privy Counsellor, which meant he was a trusted advisor to King Charles I. He also became the Comptroller of the Household, a role that managed the King's personal expenses and staff.
Sir Peter was loyal to the King. He even signed a document that showed he was against the idea of a war between the King and Parliament. It is said that he lent King Charles I a large sum of money, about £30,000, to help him.
Sir Peter Wyche passed away in Oxford in late 1643. He did not live to see the end of the English Civil War, which was a major conflict in England at that time.
Personal Life
Sir Peter Wyche married Jane Meredith in 1627. They had several children together:
- Sir Peter Wyche (born 1628) followed in his father's footsteps and became an ambassador to Russia and Poland.
- Jane Wyche (born 1630) married John Granville, 1st Earl of Bath, a powerful nobleman.
- Sir Cyril Wyche (born around 1632) was born in Constantinople. He became a Member of Parliament and even the President of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists.
- Tuscarene Wyche, who sadly died young in Syria.
- William Wyche, who died unmarried in England.
- Shellet Wyche and Sophia Wyche, who both died very young.
Sir Peter was buried in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford in December 1643. A monument was put up there to remember him.
See also
- List of diplomats of the United Kingdom to the Ottoman Empire
