John Meyrick

Sir John Meyrick (also spelled Merrick; c.1559 – 1638/9) was an English merchant in Russia; he became the English ambassador to Russia during the reign of Tsar Boris Godunov. Early life and career Meyrick was the second son of William Meyrick or Merick, at one time of Gloucester, but afterwards of London. The father became one of the original members of the Muscovy Company, which was founded by Cabot in 1554, and before 1567 seems to have acted as agent of the company in Russia. Meyrick's youth was spent at the factory of English merchants in Moscow. In 1584 he became the agent of the Muscovy Company at Yaroslavl, and in May 1592 he had a similar position in Moscow. By 1596 he had been admitted to membership of the Company, and had entered into partnership with his elder brother, Richard, who lived in Leadenhall Street. The Company was reliant on the good will of the tsar, so Meyrick became increasingly involved in diplomatic affairs. Through 1596 and 1597 he forwarded from Russia much political intelligence to Queen Elizabeth, and on 14 March 1598 he reported the death of Tsar Feodor I. In 1600 he came home in the company of Mikulin who was sent as Russian ambassador to England. In that year he became an early subscriber to the East India Company.