Richard Lee (died 1608) facts for kids

Sir Richard Lee (who passed away on December 22, 1608) was an English politician. He served as a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government that makes laws, for two periods between 1593 and 1608. He also worked as an Ambassador to Russia, representing England in another country.

About Sir Richard Lee's Family

Sir Richard Lee was the son of Sir Anthony Lee of Quarrendon, Buckinghamshire. He had a famous half-brother named Sir Henry Lee, who was a very important person in charge of weapons and supplies for the army.

Sir Richard Lee's Career and Adventures

Sir Richard Lee traveled abroad in 1582, possibly visiting Russia. He also volunteered to fight against the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Spanish Armada was a large fleet of ships sent by Spain to invade England.

He later moved to Canterbury, where he lived in a large house called Dane John. In 1590, he became a "Freeman of Canterbury," which meant he had special rights as a citizen. Around 1591, he became a J.P. for Kent. A Justice of the Peace was a local official who helped keep order and deal with minor legal issues.

In 1593, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Canterbury. This meant he represented the people of Canterbury in the House of Commons.

Ambassador to Russia

By 1599, Sir Richard Lee was chosen to be an ambassador to Russia. Merchants in England, especially those from the Muscovy Company, wanted to increase trade with Russia. In 1600, he was made a knight, which gave him the title "Sir."

He set sail for Russia in June 1600 with ten ships and nearly fifty men. He arrived in Archangel, Russia, on July 30, but he was very ill for a while. He stayed in Russia for about ten months and was well-received and respected by the people there.

However, his trip didn't bring the big trade deals that everyone hoped for. He also faced financial problems because he wasn't paid for his travel expenses, which caused him money troubles for the rest of his life.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1602, Sir Richard Lee attended the opening of the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. This library was started by his friend, Sir Thomas Bodley. Sir Richard donated some Russian books to the library. Sadly, while he was there, he was robbed of two valuable jewels.

In 1604, he was again elected as a Member of Parliament, this time for Woodstock.

Sir Richard Lee passed away in December 1608 and was buried in Hardwick, Buckinghamshire, on January 4, 1609. In his will, he left a special "tartar lamb" coat, which was a gift from the Tsar of Russia, to the Bodleian Library.

Sir Richard Lee's Marriages

Sir Richard Lee was married twice. His first wife was Lady Mary Croker. Later, in 1589, he married Lady Alice Hales. She was the widow of Sir James Hales and the daughter of Sir Thomas Kempe.