PRESTON, GEOFFREY [SSNE 8492]

Surname

PRESTON

First name

GEOFFREY

Nationality

ENGLISH

Social status

ROYAL SERVANT

Text source

Geoffrey Preston was an Englishman in Swedish royal service. 

Geoffrey Preston was married to the mother of Helena Snakenborg (she being Princess Cecilia's lady-in-waiting and a close acquaintance of Queen Elizabeth 1).

In January 1563 her wrote to a friend in London, William Harvey, providing a portrayal of life at the Swedish court. Preston had suffered the suspicions of his royal master and Harvey had proved Preston's evidence by letter, destroying those who sought to bring Preston down. In Preston's letter he reiterates his thanks to Harvey and hopes to return the favour, although Preston explains that his own position at the Vasa court remains fragile with his enemies numerous. Preston favourably describes King Erik XIV's policy toward Poland, remarking that the Swedish king was too powerful and rich to be attacked by the Pole. Sweden has signed a peace with 'Russia' and sent an embassy there. Princess Cecilia's "English" musicians have been told by the king to leave Sweden, and wants no further interaction with Englishmen at his daughter's court. Another Englishman, named Fitzherbert(!), has grievously assaulted Cecilia's honour but the princess has interceded on his behalf and he will escape the harshest punishment.

Source: Ingvar Andersson, Erik XIV (Falun, 1993 rpt), pp.139-140. 

Service record

SWEDEN, STOCKHOLM

Arrived 1563-01-01

Departed 1563-12-31

Capacity ROYAL SERVANT, purpose ROYAL SERVICE