Bevil Skelton

Bevil Skelton (1641–1696) was an English foreign envoy and diplomat.

Probably descended from the Skeltons of Armathwaite Castle, Cumberland, Bevil Skelton began his career as a colonel in the British Army, eventually rising to the position of lieutenant-colonel of the Royal English Regiment in France from 1672 to 1674.

Secretary to King Charles II, Skelton spent many years roving between German courts in his capacity as envoy. In March 1685 he became ambassador at the Hague, but it was not, by all account, a successful posting; Skelton was rabidly pro-French, and his hatred of the Dutch was legendary. He quickly 'rendered himself the contempt of the Hollanders.'

In October 1686 he was appointed envoy-extraordinary to France. It was the hope of James to make an ally of France against the Dutch, who he feared would aid William of Orange if he attempted to usurp James's crown. Louis XIV, however, was well aware of the English King's intention, and declared that, was an attempt by England made to poison France against the Dutch, 'he would act as if his own crown was attacked.'