The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700

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Thomas Roe, Sir (1581 - 1644)

Alias Thomas Row

Diplomat and friend of John Donne, Ben Jonson, and Thomas Coryate. Ambassador to the court of the Great Mogul in India, 1615–1619, and to Constantinople, 1621-1628. Roe was an agent for several collectors. While in Turkey, Roe acquired objects for Arundel's collection (Leith-Ross, 167). At the same time, he was also collecting for Buckingham, sometimes in competition another of Arundel's agents, Rev. William Petty, while at other times attempting to assist him (see further Leith-Ross, 165-6). Roe rather diffidently describes one of the objects he managed to procure for Arundel, a stone
taken out of the old pallace of Priam in Troy, cutt in horned shape, but because I neither can tell of what it is, nor hath it any other bewty, but only the antiquity ... I will not presume to send it you; yet I have delivered it to the same messenger, that your Lordship may see it, and throw it away (Leith-Ross, 166, quoting Roe, 16).
This object, along with two coins and possibly some coral (from the Consul), was sent via Anthony Wood, captain of the Rainbow (Roe, 16).
Roe also collected manuscripts for Archbishop William Laud, again finding himself crossed by Petty (Leith-Ross, 166).

Roe was also a benefactor of the Tradescants' collection and himself collected coins and oriental manuscripts, which he eventually donated to the Bodleian Library (Leith-Ross, 167).


 Dictionary of National Biography entry: http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/23943?docPos=2 Acquirer
 Relevant locations: Workplace or place of business Istanbul, Turkey
Workplace or place of business India, Asia
 Relationships: Thomas Roe was a source of object(s) for Thomas (Arundel) Howard (1585-1646)
Thomas Roe was a source of object(s) for William Laud (1573-1645)
Thomas Roe was a source of object(s) for Tradescanti (-)

William Petty (1587-1639) was a associate or acquaintance (general) of Thomas Roe
Eleanor Roe (-1675) was a wife of Thomas Roe
Anthony (Captain) Wood (-fl. 1628) was a conveyor of objects from Thomas Roe
Linked print sources: as Author (in assoc. with a ms or print source) - The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul, 1615–1619.
as Author (in assoc. with a ms or print source) - The negotiations of Sir Thomas Roe, in his embassy to the Ottoman porte, from the year 1621 to 1628 inclusive: containing A great Variety of curious and important Matters, relating not only to the Affairs of the Turkish Empire, but also to those of the Other States of Europe, in that Period: his correspondences with the most illustrious Persons, for Dignity or Character; as with the Queen of Bohemia, Bethlem Gabor Prince of Transylvania, and other Potentates of different Nations, &c. And many useful and instructive particulars, as well in relation to Trade and Commerce, as to Subjects of Literature; as Antient Manuscripts, Coins, Inscriptions, and other Antiquities. Now first published from the originals.
as Mentioned or referenced by - The John Tradescants: Gardeners to the Rose and Lily Queen .
 References in Documents:
MS Book of the Regius Professor of Medicine (MacGregor, ed.) 105 No Latin in original Of this we found this account, in the paper which contain'd it. In the years 1615 this wood was given to S.r Thomas Row by an Apothecary in ye great Mogul's Court for a rare thing & unknown who hath given it to me.
A Catalogue of Many Natural Rarities (Authorial, print 1664) A Catalogue of the Names of those Great Princes and persons of Quality whose Love of Vertue, Learning, and of the admirable workes of God in Natural Rarities has been shewed by their Bountifull adding of something to the increase of the forementioned Collection. CHARLES the First, King of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland, &c. CHARLES the Second, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland. Ferdinand the third, Emper. of Germany &c. Elionora Empresse, &c. Ferdinand. the fourth, King of the Romans, &c. Elleonora Queen Dowagere of Sweade, &c. Christina Queen of Swede, &c. John Philips Archbishop of Mentz and Prince Elector, &c. Charles Lewis Palsgrave of the Rhein and Prince Elector, &c. John George Prince Elector of Saxony, &c. Maximilianus Henry Archbishop of Collen and Prince Elector, &c. Christian Lewis Duke of Lunemburg and Brunzwich, &c. Frederick Duke of Holstein, &c. William Landgrave of Hessen, Prince of Hersefeild, &c. Gaston Duke of Orleans, &c. Philip Earl of Pembrooke. Monsieur de Believre Great Prresident President of France. The Honorable Sr. Thomas Row, His Majesties Ambassadour to the Great Mogor in India, and also Embassador to the Emperour of the Turks at Constantinople, and to the Emperour of Germany and also to divers other Kings, Princes and Free States. Sr. Thomas Wardner General for the Caribea Islands, and Governour of St. Christophers, and one of the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to King Charles the first. Sr. Francis Peters a friend to Ingenuity and Rarities. Frederick Shink Governour of Selle, and Privy Councellour to the Duke of Brunzwich. The Learned Petrus Carisius Resident for the King of Denmark, in the united Provinces. Sr. Theodore de Mayerne, Physitian to Queen Mother Heneretta Maria. Esquire Courtine a lover of vertue and Ingenuity. Mr. Povey Treasurer to his Royal Highnesse the Duke of Yorke. Dr. Saltzman Physician, and Professor in the University of Strasburgh. Dr. Fausius, Professor in the University of Hidelberg. Dr. Moretus, Professor in Astronomy in the University of Prague. Dr. Cornelius van der Lingon Physician in the University of Utrecht. Dr. Housewetel, Physician to the King of Sweden, and Cheif Physician in Hamburg. Dr Bezler Cheif Physician in Nuramberg. Dr. Brown Physician in Ausburg. Dr. Dewit, Physician in the Country of Lief-land. Dr. Eastgate, Physician in Poplar. Mr. Thornton Chaplain to the Righ Right Honorable Earl of Bedford. Mr. Cornelius Middlegest, Clerk to the Company of the Royal Adventurers of England Trading into Africa
A Catalogue of Many Natural Rarities (Authorial, print 1665) A Catalogue of the Names of those Great Princes and Persons of Quality, whose love of Virtue, Learning, and of the admirable Works of God in Natural Rarities has been shewed by their Bountiful adding of something to the encrease of the fore-mentioned Collection. CHARLES the First, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, &c. CHARLES the Second, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland. Ferdinand. the third, Emper. of Germany, &c. Elionora Empress, &c. Ferdinand the fourth, King of the Romans, &c. Elionora Queen-Dowager of Swede, &c. Christiana Queen of Swede, &c. John Philips Archbishop of Mentz, and Prince Elector, &c. Charles Lewis Palsgrave of the Rhein, and Prince Elector, &c. John George Prince Elector of Saxony, &c. Maximilianus Henry Archbishop of Collen, and Prince Elector, &c. Christian Lewis Duke of Lunemburg and Brunswick, &c. Frederick Duke of Holstein, &c. William Landgrave of Hessen, Prince of Hersefield, &c. Gaston Duke of Orleans, &c. Philip Earl of Pembroke and Mongomry. Monsieur de Belieure Great President of France. The Honorable Sr. Thomas Row, His Majesties Embassador to the Great Magor in India, to the Emperour of the Turks at Constantinople, and to the Emperour of Germany, and also to divers other Kings, Princes and Free States. Sr. Thomas Wardner General for the Caribea Islands, and Governour of St. Christophers, and one of the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to King Charles the first. Sr. Richard Everard, one of the Burgesses of the Honorable house of Parliament, and a great Lover of ingenuity. Sr. Francis Peters, a great lover of Rarities. The Learned Petrus Carisius Resident for the King of Denmark, in the united Provinces. Frederick Shink Governour of Selle, and Privy Councellour to the Duke of Lunemburg, &c. Sr. Theodore de Mayerne. Physitian to Qu. Mother Henreitta Maria. Willian Courtine Esq; a friend to Ingenuity. Mr. Povey Treasurer to his Royal Highnesse the Duke of Yorke. Dr. Saltzman Physitian, and Professor in the University of Strasburg. Dr. Fausius Physitian, and Professor in the University of Hidelberg. Dr. Moretus, Professor of Astronomy in the University of Prague. Dr. Cornelius van der Lingon Physitian in the University of Vtrecht. Dr. Housewetel Physitian to the King of Sweden, and Chief Physitian in Hamburg. Dr Bezler Chief Physitian in Nuramburg. Dr. Brown Physitian in Ausburg. Dr. Dewit Physitian in the Country of Lief-land. Dr. Eastgate Physitian in Poplar. Mr. Thornton Chaplain to the Right Honorable Earl of Bedford. Mr. Cornelius Middlegest, Clerk to the Company of the Royal Adventurers of England Trading into Africa.
A Catalogue of Those Rarities Collected (Authorial, print 1669) A Catalogue of the Names of those great Princes and Persons, as a remembrance of their love to Vertue, Learning, and wonderful Rarities of Nature. Charles the first of great Britain, France and and Ireland, King, &c. Charles the second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, &c. Ferdinandus the third, Emperour of Germany, of Hungary King, Arch Duke of Austria, &. Ellionora Empresse of the House of Gunsago, Dutchess of Mantua, &. Ferdinandus the fourth, of the Romanes, and Bohemia, King, &. Ellionora Queen Dowager of Sweeds, and of the Electoral House of Brandenburg. Christena of the Sweeds, Gothes and Vandal Queen Regent, &.c John Philips Arch-Bishop of Menz, Duke of East France, Chancellor of Germany, and Prince Elector. Charles Lodowick, Palsgrave of the Reyne, Prince Elector, and Duke of Bavere. John George, Prince Elector, Duke of Saxony, and Markgrave of Myson. Christian Lodowick, Duke of Brunswick and Lunamburgh. Frederick of the Crown or Kingdom of Norway, Duke of Sloyswick, Holstene, &.c William Londsgrave of Hesson, Prince of Hearsfil’d, &c. Gaston Duke of Orleance, Brother to Lewis the 13th. of France, &c. Mounsieur de Belyever, high or great president of France. The Honourable Sir Thomas Row, his Majesties Ambassadour to the great Magore in India, and also Ambassadour for the Kings Majesty of great Brittain to the Emperour of the Turks at Constantinople, and to the Emperour of Germany, and also to divers other Kings, Princes and free States. Sir. Thomas Wardner, General and Governour of St. Christophers, one of the Gentlemen of the privy Chamber to King Charles the first. Frederick Shink, privy Counsellor to the Duke of Brunswick, &c. The Learned Petrus Carisius, resident for the King of Denmark in the united Provinces. Theodor Demiron, Physitian to her Majesty Henereta Maria Queen of England. Doctor Saltman Physitian, and professor in the University of Straisbrook. Doctor Fosious, Physick professor in the University of Hidleberg, and Physitian to his Highness the Prince Elector. Doctor Beasler, chief Physitian in Nurham-burgh. Doctor Moretus, professor in Astronomy and Mathematicks in the University of Prague. Doctor Dewhit, Physitian in the Country of Leife-land. Doctor Brown, Physitian in Augsburgh. Doctor Cornelius Vander-lingen, Physitian in the University of Utricke. Doctor Housewette, Physitian to the King of Sweeds, and chief Physitian in Hamburgh. Doctor Easgate, a good Physitian in Popler by Black-wall. Mr. Thornton, Chaplain to the Right Honourable the Earl of Bedford. Mr. Cornelius Middlegest, Clerk to the Company of Royal Adventurers of England Trading into Africa.
Musaeum Tradescantianum (1656) The Padre Guardians staffe of Jerusa44Musæum Tradescantianum.lem made of a branch of one of the 70 Palme-Trees of Elam, which he gave to Sir Tho: Roe.
Musaeum Tradescantianum (1656) Principall Benefactors to the precedent Collection. {King Charles.} {Queen Mary.} George Duke of Buckingham. Lady Katharine Dutchess of Buck: William Laud Archbishop of Cant: Robert Earle of Salisbury. William Earle of Salisbury. Earle of Carlisle. Lord Viscount Dorchester. Lord Viscount Faulkland. Lord Strange. Lord Goring. Lord Cambden. Countesse of Arundell. Lady Matrevers. Lady Denbeigh. Lady Wootton. 180Musæum Tradescantianum. Lady Mary Villers. Lady Goring. Lady Killegray. Lady Christian Leviston. Sir Thomas Roe. Sir Christopher Hatton. Sir Henry VVootonWooton. Sir Kenelme Digby. Sir Nathanael Bacon. Sir Butts Bacon. Sir Dudly Diggs. Sir Henry Vane. Sir Henry Palmer. Sir Robert Heath. Sir Peter Manwood. Sir John Trever. Sir William Boswell. Sir Clipsby Crew. Sir Alexander Gourdon. Sir James Bagg. Sir David Kirke. Sir Richard Wiseman. Sir John Smith. Sir John Wieldes. Sir Henry Meldree. Musæum Tradescantianum.181 Sir John Aemoote. Lady Roe. Lady Graimes. Doctor Owin. Doctor John Hill. Doctor Thomas Wharton. Doctor William Broad. Doctor Bugg. William Murray Esq. William Curteene Esq. Elias Ashmole Esq. Captain Weddell. Captain Plumbey. Captain Ireland. Captain Cleborne. Captain Prim. Captain Wood. Captain West. Captain Swanley. Captain Adam Denton. Captain Trenchfield. Captain David Atchinson. Mr. Nicolas, Secretary to the Navy. Mr. John Slany Merchant. Mr. Charleton Merchant. 182Musæum Tradescantianum. Mr. James Boovy Merchant. Mr. John Millen. Mr. Thomas Howard. Mr. White of Burntwood. Mr. Ofield. Mr. Ofley. Mr. Greene. Mr. Munke. Mr. Sadler. Mr. Bushell. Mr. Liggon. Mr. George Tomasin. In EEBO copy: Scratched out in original document and has "Thomason" written beside it in ink. Mr. Dells. Mr. Gage. Mr. Pergins. Mr. Robert Martyn. Mr. Trion. Mr. Woolfe. Mr. Browne. Mr. Martin Masters. Mr. Butler. Mr. Phillips. Mr. Harison. Mr. Pette. Mr. Short. Musæum Tradescantianum.183 Mr. Bound. Mr. Stone. Mr. Bartholomew Hagatt. Mr. Reeve. Mr. Francis Cline. Mr. Thomas Herbert. Mr. Rowland Bucket. Mr. Snelling. Mr. Rowe. Mr. Smith. Mr. Butterworth. Mr. le Goulz. Mr. William Martyn. Mr. Lanyon. Mr. Gasper Calthoofe. Mr. William Lambert. Mr. John Benson.