Hey, this is Heather from the Renaissance English History Podcast, and this is your Tudor Minute for February 27.
Today in 1557 the first Russian ambassador, Osep Gregoriwich Napea, arrived in London. Trade with the Russians had been going on for several years since the first voyage of discovery searching out a northeast passage didn’t make it to the Indies but instead found a route to Russia.
The ambassador made it to London after a harrowing journey in which several members of his entourage, including the English captain Richard Chancellor, died off the coast of Scotland in a storm. When he arrived near London today, he was greeted by 80 merchants, all on horseback, with chains of gold. The Lord Mayor received him and escorted him into London, and he was presented to the Queen.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com where there is an episode on trade with the Muscovy company.