Earl and His Butler in Constantinople

This biography chronicles the journey of George Hay, 8th Earl of Kinnoull, and his butler Samuel Medley during their time in the Ottoman Empire.

In Earl and His Butler in Constantinople, the authors explore the remarkable journey of George Hay, the 8th Earl of Kinnoull, who served as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire for seven years. Accompanied by his loyal butler, Samuel Medley, this biography offers a unique perspective on a period filled with political intrigue and cultural exchange. Medley’s diary, one of the few surviving accounts from a servant of the time, provides a rare glimpse into the daily life of the Earl and the complexities of diplomatic relations in the 18th century.

George Hay was not your typical ambassador. A Scottish aristocrat with a tumultuous past, including imprisonment for his Jacobite beliefs and financial ruin due to the South Sea Bubble, he faced immense challenges when appointed to represent Britain in Constantinople in 1729. Leaving behind his wife and ten children, Lord Kinnoull ventured into a world where his political acumen and personal integrity were continually tested. The book delves into how he navigated the intricate dynamics between Muslims and Christians and the expectations placed upon him as a diplomat.

The narrative also sheds light on the vibrant city of Constantinople during a pivotal historical moment. Through the lens of both Kinnoull’s official despatches and Medley’s personal observations, Earl and His Butler in Constantinople paints a vivid portrait of an extraordinary Earl and his exceptional butler, engaging readers with their story and the broader context of British-Ottoman relations.