Everard Fawkener

Sir Everard Fawkener (1694–1758) was an English merchant and diplomat, chiefly remembered for his friendship with Voltaire. His daughter was the celebrated political hostess Harriet Bouverie.

Career Fawkener was born into a family of silk merchants. His father, William (1642–1716) was a leading member of the Levant Company. Everard was sent out to Aleppo in 1716 and remained there until 1725. He then worked in the family firm of Snelling and Fawkener, leading the Levant merchants of their day until 1735.

He met the philosopher Voltaire in Paris on his way home from Aleppo in 1725. Voltaire stayed in Fawkener's house in Wandsworth during his lengthy visit to England in 1726. The two men maintained a warm and affectionate correspondence for many years. Voltaire dedicated his tragedy Zaïre to Fawkener in 1733.

Fawkener was knighted in 1735. He was appointed as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire on 19 August 1735. He arrived in Constantinople on the 19th of December. He did not like it much there and got leave to return home on 8 November 1742. His credentials were finally recalled on 4 September 1746.

Upon his return, he became secretary to the Duke of Cumberland, a post which he held for the rest of his life. He was an eyewitness to the Battle of Fontenoy. He accompanied the Duke on his campaign in the Scottish Highlands to suppress the Jacobite rising of 1745. and Everard Fawkener of the 11th dragoons.

Fawkener lived at Westhorpe House near Little Marlow.