Witness History: Archive 2013 - Peter the Great in London

In January 1698, the young Peter the Great began a three-month visit to London. During his stay, the young Tsar got drunk and pursued actresses, but also found time to study British technology closely.

Peter left London determined to turn Russia into a more western nation equipped with a Navy to rival England's.

The story of the tsar's visit is told through contemporary accounts and from Professor Anthony Cross, author of Peter the Great Through British Eyes.

Image: Peter the Great. Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Published on Wednesday, 30th January 2013.

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