Peter Wyche (diplomat) facts for kids

Sir Peter Wyche (born 1628, died around 1699) was an important English diplomat and translator. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. Sir Peter helped England connect with countries like Russia and Poland.

He was the son of another famous diplomat, also named Sir Peter Wyche. His brother was Sir Cyril Wyche. Sir Peter Wyche went to several top universities, including Exeter College, Oxford and Queens' College, Cambridge. He also studied law at the Inner Temple. In 1660, he was given the title of "Sir" (knighted). He also became a member of the Royal Society in 1663, which is a famous group for scientists and thinkers.

A Life of Diplomacy

Sir Peter Wyche had a busy career representing England in different countries.

Early Career and Royal Connections

After finishing his studies, Sir Peter traveled abroad. In 1656, he was in Italy. He even received a special passport from King Charles II, who was in exile at the time. When Charles II became king again in 1660, he knighted Peter Wyche. Soon after, Sir Peter returned to England.

In 1662, he became one of the first members of the Royal Society. This group was created to encourage new ideas and discoveries. In 1665, Sir Peter was chosen to lead a committee. This committee looked at ways to improve the English language. He even received a long letter about this from the famous writer John Evelyn.

Ambassador to Russia and Poland

In 1669, Sir Peter Wyche was sent as a special representative to Russia. He sent important messages back home from Moscow. After his time in Russia, he immediately became the English Ambassador to Poland. He served there from 1669 to 1670.

During his travels, he was welcomed in many cities, including Danzig, Königsberg, and Hamburg. He stayed in Hamburg for several years. There, he was the English representative to the Hanseatic cities, which were important trading towns. His work in Hamburg ended in 1682. Many of his letters to important government officials are still kept today.

His Family Life

Sir Peter Wyche was born in London in 1628. He married Isabella Bolles in 1666. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Bolles. They had several children.

His grandson, Cyril Wyche, also became a diplomat. He served as a special representative to Russia, just like his grandfather. Cyril Wyche was later given the title of a baronet in 1729.

What He Wrote

Sir Peter Wyche was also a talented translator. He translated two important books from Portuguese into English.

• The Life of Dom John de Castro: This book was about the fourth Viceroy of India. Sir Peter dedicated this translation to Queen Catherine, the wife of King Charles II. He also added a short history of Portugal to the book. The first edition came out in 1663, and a second one was published in 1693.
• A Short Relation of the River Nile: This book was about the Nile River, its source, and how it floods Egypt. He translated this from a Portuguese manuscript. He did this at the request of some of his friends from the Royal Society. This book was published in 1669.

Sir Peter also showed his knowledge of geography with his book, The World geographically describ'd in fifty-two Copper Plates. This book, published in 1687, contained maps that could be used for teaching.