Fanshawe, Richard (1608-1666)

English diplomat and poet. He translated Giovanni Guarini's Il pastor fido 1647 and Camoëns's Os Lusiades 1655, and wrote some original verse.

Fanshawe was born at Ware Park, Hertfordshire, and educated at Jesus College, Cambridge. He became secretary to the Prince of Wales, and in 1648 naval treasurer under Prince Rupert. At the battle of Worcester 1651 he was taken prisoner, but was released, and took refuge on the Continent, returning to England at the Restoration. He died in Madrid, where he had been sent as ambassador 1664.