Robert Anstruther (diplomat) facts for kids

Sir Robert Anstruther (1578-1645) was an important Scottish diplomat and courtier. He worked for the kings of Scotland and England, helping to solve problems between countries. He was known for his skills in talking to leaders and making peace.

Family and Early Life

Robert Anstruther was born in Anstruther in Fife, Scotland. His father was James Anstruther, who worked for the king as a carver and head of the royal household. Robert's mother was Jean Scott.

Robert had an older brother named William. William worked for the king too, but he didn't have any children. Because of this, the family's lands eventually went to Robert's oldest son, Philip.

In 1617, Robert Anstruther married Mary Swift. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Swift from Doncaster. Robert and Mary had five children:

• Robert (born around 1629)
• Philip (died in 1702)
• Christian (died as a baby)
• Elizabeth
• Sarah

Starting His Diplomatic Career

Robert Anstruther went to college at St Salvator's College, St Andrews. After that, he learned about court life as a page for Christian IV of Denmark in 1598. He also worked for Prince John of Schleswig-Holstein.

By 1603, Robert was back at the Danish court. He brought gifts of falcons from King James VI of Scotland. From 1606, he stayed in Denmark as a special agent for King James.

In 1612, Anstruther helped make peace between Sweden and Denmark-Norway. He worked with Sir James Spens, who was the British ambassador to Sweden. They helped create the Treaty of Knäred, which ended a war. Because of this important work, Robert Anstruther was made a knight.

From 1614 to 1615, Anstruther again helped Christian IV and King James. He settled a disagreement Christian IV had with the city of Lübeck.

Sir John Throckmorton, a governor in the Netherlands, met Anstruther often. Throckmorton thought Anstruther was "a very honest gentleman." Anstruther often carried important news and letters between leaders.

Working During the Thirty Years' War

In 1618, a big war called the Thirty Years' War started in Europe. Robert Anstruther became very busy helping King James VI and I. He was the king's main negotiator in Germany. He tried to find a peaceful solution for Frederick V and Elizabeth Stuart, who were King James's daughter and son-in-law.

In 1621, Anstruther traveled between Denmark-Norway and the Dutch Republic. He helped Elizabeth get money for her belongings. He also helped create an alliance between Denmark, the Dutch Republic, and Britain.

Later, Anstruther worked as a translator for the Imperial Ambassador in the English Parliament. Between 1624 and 1625, he tried to get different leaders to agree on a plan for the war. He continued to be an ambassador to Denmark-Norway even after Charles I became king.

In 1630, Anstruther went to a big meeting called the Diet of Regensburg. He met Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, who welcomed him. Anstruther kept working to protect British interests in Europe.

He continued to negotiate with different leaders in Germany until 1635. However, a peace treaty called the Peace of Prague (1635) made it harder for Britain to get what it wanted.

In 1641, Anstruther returned to Denmark as an envoy for King Charles I and the English parliament. He died in late 1644 and was buried at Westminster Abbey in January 1645.

Anstruther and Art

Robert Anstruther also had connections to the art world. It is believed that the painter Francis Cleyn came to England in 1623 because Anstruther recommended him to Prince Charles.

Anstruther brought paintings back to England from his travels. These included a family picture from Germany and a painting called "Martyrdom of St Bartholomew." He also brought a small painting of "A falconer with a white dog" from The Hague. Anstruther also dealt with Jonas Charisius, who bought art and musical instruments for the King of Denmark.

A Fun Story About Robert Anstruther

There's a story that once, the King of Denmark put his crown on a table during a drinking game as a challenge. The courtiers then crowned Anstruther with it, and he pretended to make new laws!

Later, when Anstruther visited Denmark again, the king surprised him. He called Anstruther to his presence right away. Anstruther was still a bit confused from the last visit. There, the king introduced him to King James.