Education
He was extensively educated in law, humanities, theology, military science, natural sciences, and even studied under Galileo.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Rafael Leszczynski Edit Profile
defender of Protestant supporter of Protestants
Career
He was the castellan of Kalisz starting in 1618, he became the voivode of Bełz in 1620, and the starost of Hrubieszów in 1633. He also traveled over much of Europe. Rafał started his political career in the Sejmik of the Sandomierz Voivodeship.
He corresponded with Gabor Bethlen of Transylvania and George William of Brandenburg.
After 1629 he also corresponded with Axel Oxenstiern, the Swedish chancellor. He took part in the 1635 negoations with Sweden, where he worked with the French ambassador, count Claude d"Avaux.
He advised the king against hostilities with Sweden, and after the peace of 1635, he wanted to direct Polish foreign policy towards Silesia. During his life he gathered substantial wealth: 17 towns and over 100 villages in Wielkopolska, Baranów and nearby lands in Sandomierz Voivodeship, Włodawa in Polesia, Woronczyn, Romanów and Beresteczko on Wołyń and Ruś.
In 1612 founded the Wieniawa near Lublin.
He was the son of Andrzej Leszczyński, voivode of Brezesc-Kujawski. Rafał"s children:
Andrzej Leszczyński, voivode of Dorpat
Władysław Leszczyński supporter of Calvinists;
Teodora Leszczyńska, patroness of Calvinists married to Zbigniew Gorajski), a leader of Polish Calvinists in Małopolska.
Membership
He was an opponent of king Sigismund III Vasa, but he never rose up in open rebellion, like the members of Zebrzydowski"s Rebellion did.
