Twenty-six year old Peter I of Russia embarked on a European tour which brought him to England in January 1698. He met with royalty, hoping to secure support against the Ottoman Turks, received instruction in ship-building to help the Russian navy, and toured England’s cities learning about urban design for his planned new capital at St Petersburg.

During his four months in England, Tsar Peter the Great was introduced to notable British figures in the church and the sciences, and was entertained at the opera and theatre. He gained useful information on military and architectural matters, but left in April 1698 without English support for his dispute with the Ottoman Turks.

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