THE DAILY LIFE OF BRITISH AMBASSADORS AT THE COURT OF THE RUSSIAN EMPRESS ANNA IOANNOVNA
T e author analyses the diplomatic correspondence of the British ambassadors at the court of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna and examines, in addition to their professional activities, their living conditions and life at court (attending receptions, balls, masquerades in the imperial palace, participation in social life and various amusements at court was the responsibility of all ambassadors). T is issue has not previously been the subject of special study, although it is relevant in the light of two recent trends in historical science - imagology (which explores intercultural communications between dif erent countries, and also individuals) and the history of everyday life. T e article discusses the living conditions of the ambassadors, as well as their attitude to entertainment and participation in court life. One of the ambassadors’ wives expressed admiration at court balls and the guests’ outf ts, but the diplomats themselves more of en demonstrated a critical perception of entertainment events and practices at the court of the Empress. T e ambassadors were indignant at the extravagance and luxury of the court, as well as at the expensive outf ts that were necessary for the participation in the courtly pastimes for the courtiers, the Russian noblemen, and themselves as well. Diplomats were also dissatisf ed with the high cost of living in the capital, which made them turn to their government for f nancial support. It can be concluded that, in general, the living conditions of the British ambassadors at the court of Anna Ioannovna were quite satisfactory. Nevertheless, residents most of en spoke critically about their stay in Russia, as well as about Russian people, mainly about those who belonged to the upper strata of society. Researching the daily life of the ambassadors at the imperial court, on the basis of their correspondence with the Secretary of State, enriches our knowledge not only about foreign diplomats who worked in Russia, but also about the life and practices at the court of Empress Anna Ioannovna, and about her reign.