Stephen Alley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Alley
MC
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Born | 14 February 1876 |
Died | 1969 Ware, Hertfordshire
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Captain Stephen Alley (born February 14, 1876 – died 1969) was a British engineer. He also worked as a secret agent for the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) in Russia. MI6 is like a spy agency that gathers information for the British government.
Stephen Alley is known for two main things. He might have been involved in the death of a famous Russian figure named Grigori Rasputin in 1916. He also helped plan a rescue mission for the Russian Imperial Family, the Romanovs, in 1918. The Romanovs were held captive by the Bolsheviks in a house called Ipatiev House.
Early Life and Education
Stephen Alley was born on February 14, 1876. His birthplace was the Arkhangelskoye Estate near Moscow, Russia. He received his early education in Russia.
Later, he moved to London, England. He studied English Literature at King's College London. After that, he went to Glasgow University in Scotland. There, he earned a degree in engineering. In 1902, he joined the Surrey Yeomanry, which was a part of the British army reserves.
Engineering and Spy Work
After finishing university, Stephen Alley joined his family's engineering company in London. The company was called Alley & McLellan Engineers.
In 1910, he went back to Russia. While there, he helped build the first major oil pipeline to the Black Sea. He also gained a lot of experience in building rail transport systems.
During his time in Russia, Stephen Alley worked for the British government. He was part of the British Military Control Office in Saint Petersburg. Many historians and documentaries suggest he was involved in the death of Grigori Rasputin. Rasputin was a controversial figure who had a lot of influence with the Russian royal family. Some people believe a letter written by Alley in 1916 might be proof of British involvement in Rasputin's death.
Stephen Alley also played a role in a secret plan. This plan was to try and rescue the Russian Imperial Family, the Romanovs. The Romanovs were the royal family of Russia. In 1918, they were held prisoner by a group called the Bolsheviks in a house known as the Ipatiev House. Unfortunately, the rescue plan did not succeed.
Later Life
Stephen Alley lived a long life. He passed away in 1969.