Rafał Leszczyński (1579-1636)

Rafał Leszczyński (October 1579 - 29 March 1636) was a Polish-Lithuanian noble and Imperial count. Castellan of Kalisz since 1618, voivode of Bełz since 1620, starost of Hrubieszów since 1633. Extensively educated (law, humanities, teology, military science, natural sciences - including studies under Galileo), he had traveled over much of Europe.

He started his political career in the Sejmik of the Sandomierz Voivodeship. Opponent of king Sigismund III Vasa, but he never rose up in open rebellion, like members of the Zebrzydowski's Rebellion. Protestant, defender of Protestant rights and religious tolerance in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, he dedicated most of his political influence to the matters or religion. Provided shelter for Czech brethren, as well as refugees from Germany (Silesia) in the times of the Thirty Years' War. Sponsored many new Protestant churches and schools, and developed existing ones, like that in Leszno, under Czech pedagogue Jan Amos Komeński. He was called the "Pope of Calvinists in Poland. In foreign politics, he supported cooperation with both Catholic France and Protestant countries like Sweden.

He corresponded with Gabor Bethlen of Transylvania and George William of Brandenburg (from whom he received a yearly donation of 3000 zloty, in exchange for his support for Protestant cause). After 1629 also in correspondence with Axel Oxenstiern, Swedish chancellor. Strong supporter of marriage between Władysław IV Waza and a Protestant (Calvinist) princess. Took part in the 1635 negoations with Sweden, where he works with French ambassador, count Claude d'Avaux. He advises king against hostilties with Sweden, and after the pace of 1635 wants to direct Polish foreign policy towards Silesia.

Duyring his life he gathered substantial wealth: 17 towns and over 100 villages in Wielkopolska, Baranów and nearby lands in Sandomierz voivodship, Włodawa in Polesia, Woronczyn, Romanów and Beresteczko on Wołyń and Ruś. In 1612 founded the Wieniawa near Lublin.

Son of Andrzej Lesczczyński, voivode of Brezesc-Kujawski.From 1604 to 1635 married to Anna Radzimińska (1586-1635), daughter of Stanisław Radzimiński of Brodzic coat of arms.Children:
*Rafał Leszczyński (1607-1644) a known supporter of Protestants;
*Andrzej Leszczyński, voivode of Dorpat
*Bogusław Leszczyński who inherited Leszno and who converted to Roman Catholicism
*Władysław Leszczyński supporter of Calvinists;
*Teodora Leszczyńska, patroness of Calvinists married to Zbigniew Górajski), a leader of Polish Calvinists in Małopolska.

Further reading

*Kate Wilson, "The Politics of Toleration Among the Szlachta of Great Poland: Rafał Leszczyński (1579-1636) and Krzysztof Opaliński (1609-55)", Slovo 14/2002