Charles Hay (diplomat)

Charles Hay (1740 – 1811) was a British diplomat who served as British Resident in Venice. He was a younger son of Sir Thomas Hay, 4th Baronet of Alderston.

Hay entered diplomatic service and was appointed British Resident in Venice in 1766, a post he held until the Venetian Republic was dissolved by Napoleon in 1797. His role primarily involved monitoring Venetian affairs and reporting back to the British government, as well as representing British interests in the region. He also played a significant role in facilitating cultural and intellectual exchanges between Britain and Venice. During his time in Venice, Hay amassed a significant collection of art and antiquities.

After the fall of Venice, Hay returned to Britain. He died in 1811.