Sir Richard Fanshawe, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Richard Fanshawe (born June 1608 – died June 16, 1666) was an important English poet and translator. He was also a diplomat, which means he represented his country in other nations. He was a politician too, serving in the House of Commons (like today's Parliament) from 1661 until his death. During the English Civil War, he strongly supported the King's side, known as the Royalists. He helped Charles II of England during battles and when the King had to live outside England.
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Early Life and Education
Richard Fanshawe was the youngest of four sons. His father, Sir Henry Fanshawe, was an important government official who managed money for the King. Richard was born in Ware, Hertfordshire, and was baptized on June 12, 1608. His father passed away when Richard was only eight years old.
Richard went to Jesus College, Cambridge in 1623 and later studied law at the Inner Temple in London. He then traveled around Europe, which was a common way for young gentlemen to learn more about the world. In 1635, he became a secretary at the English Embassy in Spain. An embassy is like an office for a country's diplomats in another nation. By 1638, he was in charge of the embassy there. Richard was very good at languages like Spanish and Italian, which helped him a lot in his work as a diplomat.
Serving the King in Civil War
When the English Civil War began in England, Richard Fanshawe chose to support King Charles I. This side was known as the Royalists. In 1644, he became the Secretary of War for the Prince of Wales, who later became King Charles II.
In 1648, he was sent to Spain to try and get money to help the Royalist cause. From 1648 to 1650, he was in charge of the Navy's money under Prince Rupert, a famous Royalist leader. He was given the special title of baronet in 1650. Soon after, he became the Secretary of State in Scotland for the young King Charles II.
However, Richard was captured by the opposing side at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. After the war, when King Charles II was able to return to England, Richard was knighted in 1660. He also became the King's Latin Secretary and a Master of Requests, helping people bring their requests directly to the King.
Life After the King's Return
After the King was back on the throne in 1660 (a time called the Restoration), Richard Fanshawe held many important jobs. He represented the King's brother, James, at the King's coronation ceremony in 1661.
In the same year, he was elected to be a Member of Parliament for Cambridge University. He served in Parliament until he died. From 1662 to 1666, he was the Ambassador to Portugal. Then, from 1664 to 1666, he was also the Ambassador to Spain.
In 1666, while getting ready to return to England from Spain, Richard Fanshawe suddenly passed away at his home in Madrid. He was 58 years old.
Memorials and Legacy
Richard Fanshawe's body was brought back to England from Spain. He was first buried in Hertford, and later his body was moved to St Mary's Church, Ware. There, you can find a beautiful marble monument built in his memory.
A portrait of Richard Fanshawe, along with other family members, is on display at the Valence House Museum in East London.
His Writings and Translations
Richard Fanshawe was known for his skills as a writer and translator. He translated several important works from other languages into English:
- Il pastor fido by Giovanni Battista Guarini
- Selected Parts of Horace
- The Lusiad by Camoens. This was the very first time this famous Portuguese poem was translated into English.
Family Life
Richard Fanshawe married his second cousin, Anne Harrison, in 1644. Anne was described as a "devoted and able" wife. She even wrote her own memoirs, telling the story of her life. Richard and Anne had fourteen children together, but sadly, only five of them lived to become adults. Richard's brother, Thomas, was given the title of Viscount Fanshawe.
See also
In Spanish: Richard Fanshawe para niños
