Sir Robert Peake

Sir Robert Peake (1592? – 1667) was a print-seller and royalist. A grandson of Robert Peake the elder, he was knighted in 1645 for his service as a member of the garrison of Basing House. He was exiled for refusing the oath of allegiance to the Protector Oliver Cromwell. After the Restoration he was appointed vice-president and leader of the Honourable Artillery Company. He published a number of engravings by William Faithorne.

Biography
Robert Peake published a number of engravings by William Faithorne, who, after studying for three years under John Payne, returned to work under his former master's son.

When the Civil War broke out Peake took up arms on the royal side. He, Faithorne, and Wenceslaus Hollar the engraver were all among the besieged in Basing House, of which Peake acted as lieutenant-governor under the command of John Paulet, 5th Marquis of Winchester. Peake, then lieutenant-colonel, was knighted for his services by Charles I at Oxford on 28 March 1645. On the surrender of Basing House in October 1645 Peake was brought to London, and committed first to Winchester House, and then to Aldersgate. He was subsequently released, but exiled for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to Cromwell.

After the Restoration Peake was appointed vice-president and leader of the Honourable Artillery Company under James, duke of York. He died in 1667, aged about 75, and was buried in St. Sepulchre's Church, London. A broadside ‘Panegyrick’ was published shortly after his death.