2-587-672 - © Fine Art Images/Heritage Images

'Tsar Peter I visiting England in January 1698', early 18th century. In 1697-1698 Peter the Great (1682-1725) visited Europe incognito as part of a large Russian delegation, the Grand Embassy, which attempted, without success, to build an alliance against the Ottoman Empire. During his trip Peter learned about life in the West and studied shipbuilding. During his time in England he met King William III and visited Greenwich, Oxford and Manchester. Found in the collection of the State Central Navy Museum, St Petersburg.