Sir Richard Browne, 1st Baronet, of Deptford facts for kids

Sir Richard Browne (born around 1605, died February 12, 1683) was an important English diplomat. He served as England's ambassador to the country of France in Paris for many years, from 1641 to 1660. He was also given the special title of a Baronet, which is a bit like being a knight but the title can be passed down in the family.

Early Life and Education

Richard Browne was the son of Christopher Browne and Thomazine Gonson. When he was young, he even acted in a play! In 1617, he played the character of Diana in a special show called 'Masque of Cupid's Banishment'. This play was performed for Queen Anne of Denmark.

Browne went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university, when he was 18 years old in 1623. He earned his first degree there. Later, he became a fellow at Merton College. This meant he was a senior member of the college. He also worked for King Charles I as an "esquire of the bedchamber." This was a trusted role, helping the King directly.

Working for the King

In 1641, Richard Browne became a clerk for the King's Privy Council. This council was a group of important advisors to the King.

Soon after, he was sent to France to be England's ambassador. An ambassador is like a country's representative in another country. Browne lived in Paris and worked there from 1641 until 1660. His job was to represent England and deal with the French government.

While he was in Paris, a famous writer named John Evelyn met him. Evelyn later married Browne's daughter, Mary, in 1647. She was 12 years old at the time.

Royalist and Later Life

Richard Browne was a strong supporter of the King, also known as a Royalist. Because of the difficult political times in England, he could not easily return home.

In 1649, King Charles II gave him the title of Baronet. This was a special honor. Browne owned a family home called Sayes Court in Deptford, England. However, because he was a Royalist, he couldn't live there. John Evelyn, his son-in-law, eventually bought the Sayes Court estate in 1653.

Richard Browne passed away in Charlton, Kent, in 1683.