London's Russian Envoys
As wealthy Russians continue to take up residence in London’s smartest districts, Helen Szamuely reflects on the contributions to Anglo-Russian relations of those diplomats who paved the way from the 18th century onwards.
From 1732 on there was continuous Russian diplomatic presence in Britain except when the two countries were at war and for a few years in the early Soviet period. The ambassadors of the 18th century could be described as career diplomats, though several of them would have served in the armed forces. Some became political personalities, others were littérateurs and translators. After Peter the Great’s victory over the Swedes in 1721 Russia was perceived as a strong European power and her ambassadors, therefore, persons of some importance. Throughout the 18th century there were constant arguments about payment of the representatives.
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