John Evelyn's Diary 1683

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John Evelyn's Diary 1683 is in John Evelyn's Diary 1680s.

1683 Popish Plot

1683 Rye House Plot

1683 Marriage of Lady Anne and Prince George

1683 Indemnity and Oblivion Act

1683 Frost Fair

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 January

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 January 23

23 Jan 1683. Sir Francis North (age 45), son to the Lord North, and Lord Chief Justice, being made Lord Keeper on the death of the Earl of Nottingham, the Lord Chancellor, I went to congratulate him. He is a most knowing, learned, and ingenious man, and, besides being an excellent person, of an ingenious and sweet disposition, very skillful in music, painting, the new philosophy, and politer studies.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 January 29

29 Jan 1683. Supped at Sir Joseph Williamson's (age 49), where was a select company of our Society, Sir William Petty (age 59), Dr. Gale (age 48) (that learned schoolmaster of St. Paul's), Dr. Whistler, Mr. Hill, etc. The conversation was philosophical and cheerful, on divers considerable questions proposed; as of the hereditary succession of the Roman Emperors; the Pica mentioned in the preface to our Common Prayer, which signifies only the Greek Kalendarium. These were mixed with lighter subjects.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 February

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 February 02

02 Feb 1683. I made my court at St. James's [Map], when I saw the sea charts of Captain Collins (age 40), which that industrious man now brought to show the Duke (age 49), having taken all the coasting from the mouth of the Thames, as far as Wales, and exactly measuring every creek, island, rock, soundings, harbors, sands, and tides, intending next spring to proceed till he had finished the whole island, and that measured by chains and other instruments: a most exact and useful undertaking. He affirmed, that of all the maps put out since, there are none extant so true as those of Joseph Norden, who gave us the first in Queen Elizabeth's time; all since him are erroneous.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 February 12

12 Feb 1683. This morning I received the news of the death of my father-in-law, Sir Richard Browne (age 78), Knt. and Bart., who died at my house at Sayes Court [Map] this day at ten in the morning, after he had labored under the gout and dropsy for nearly six months, in the 78th year of his age. The funeral was solemnized on the 19th at Deptford, with as much decency as the dignity of the person, and our relation to him, required; there being invited the Bishop of Rochester (age 58), several noblemen, knights, and all the fraternity of the Trinity House, of which he had been Master, and others of the country. The vicar preached a short but proper discourse on Psalm xxxix. 10, on the frailty of our mortal condition, concluding with an ample and well-deserved eulogy on the defunct, relating to his honorable birth and ancestors, education, learning in Greek and Latin, modern languages, travels, public employments, signal loyalty, character abroad, and particularly the honor of supporting the Church of England in its public worship during its persecution by the late rebels' usurpation and regicide, by the suffrages of divers Bishops, Doctors of the Church, and others, who found such an asylum in his house and family at Paris, that in their disputes with the Papists (then triumphing over it as utterly lost) they used to argue for its visibility and existence from Sir R. Browne's chapel and assembly there. Then he spoke of his great and loyal sufferings during thirteen years' exile with his present Majesty (age 52), his return with him in the signal year 1660; his honorable employment at home, his timely Recess to recollect himself, his great age, infirmities, and death.

12 Feb 1683. He gave to the Trinity Corporation that land in Deptford [Map] on which are built those almshouses for twenty-four widows of emerited seamen. He was born the famous year of the Gunpowder Treason, in 1605, and being the last [male] of his family, left my wife (age 48), his only daughter, heir. His grandfather, Sir Richard Browne, was the great instrument under the great Earl of Leicester (favorite to Queen Elizabeth) in his government of the Netherland. He was Master of the Household to King James, and Cofferer; I think was the first who regulated the compositions through England for the King's (age 52) household, provisions, progresses,49 etc., which was so high a service, and so grateful to the whole nation, that he had acknowledgments and public thanks sent him from all the counties; he died by the rupture of a vein in a vehement speech he made about the compositions in a Parliament of King James. By his mother's side he was a Gunson, Treasurer of the Navy in the reigns of Henry VIII., Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, and, as by his large pedigree appears, related to divers of the English nobility. Thus ended this honorable person, after so many changes and tossings to and fro, in the same house where he was born. "Lord teach us so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom!".

12 Feb 1683. By a special clause in his will, he ordered that his body should be buried in the churchyard under the southeast window of the chancel, adjoining to the burying places of his ancestors, since they came out of Essex into Sayes Court [Map], he being much offended at the novel custom of burying everyone within the body of the church and chancel; that being a favor heretofore granted to martyrs and great persons; this excess of making churches charnel houses being of ill and irreverend example, and prejudicial to the health of the living, besides the continual disturbance of the pavement and seats, and several other indecencies. Dr. Hall, the pious Bishop of Norwich, would also be so interred, as may be read in his testament.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 March

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 March 16

16 Mar 1683. I went to see Sir Josiah Child's (age 52) prodigious cost in planting walnut trees about his seat, and making fish ponds, many miles in circuit, in Epping Forest, in a barren spot, as oftentimes these suddenly monied men for the most part seat themselves. He from a merchant's apprentice, and management of the East India Company's stock, being arrived to an estate (it is said) of £200,000; and lately married his daughter (age 17) to the eldest son (age 22) of the Duke of Beaufort, late Marquis of Worcester, with £50,000 portional present, and various expectations.

16 Mar 1683. I dined at Mr. Houblon's (age 53), a rich and gentle French merchant, who was building a house in the Forest, near Sir J. Child's (age 52), in a place where the late Earl of Norwich dwelt some time, and which came from his lady, the widow of Mr. Baker. It will be a pretty villa, about five miles from Whitechapel.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 March 18

18 Mar 1683. I went to hear Dr. Horneck (age 42) preach at the Savoy Church [Map], on Phil. II 5. He was a German born, a most pathetic preacher, a person of a saint-like life, and hath written an excellent treatise on Consideration.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 March 20

20 Mar 1683. Dined at Dr. Whistler's, at the Physicians' College, with Sir Thomas Millington (age 55), both learned men; Dr. W. (age 55) the most facetious man in nature, and now Censor of the college. I was here consulted where they should build their library; it is a pity this college is built so near Newgate Prison [Map], and in so obscure a hole, a fault in placing most of our public buildings and churches in the city, through the avarice of some few men, and his Majesty (age 52) not overruling it, when it was in his power after the dreadful conflagration.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 March 21

21 Mar 1683. Dr. Tenison (age 46) preached at Whitehall [Map] on 1 Cor. vi. 12; I esteem him to be one of the most profitable preachers in the Church of England, being also of a most holy conversation, very learned and ingenious. The pains he takes and care of his parish will, I fear, wear him out, which would be an inexpressible loss.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 March 24

24 Mar 1683. I went to hear Dr. Charleton's lecture on the heart in the Anatomy Theater at the Physicians' College.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 March 30

30 Mar 1683. To London, in order to my passing the following week, for the celebration of the Easter now approaching, there being in the Holy Week so many eminent preachers officiating at the Court and other places.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 April

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 April 06

06 Apr 1683. Good Friday. There was in the afternoon, according to custom, a sermon before the King (age 52), at Whitehall [Map]; Dr. Sprat (age 48) preached for the Bishop of Rochester (age 58).

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 April 17

17 Apr 1683. I was at the launching of the last of the thirty ships ordered to be newly built by Act of Parliament, named the "Neptune", a second rate, one of the goodliest vessels of the whole navy, built by my kind neighbor, young Mr. Shish, his Majesty's (age 52) master shipwright of this dock.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 May

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 May 01

01 May 1683. I went to Blackheath [Map], to see the new fair, being the first procured by the Lord Dartmouth (age 36). This was the first day, pretended for the sale of cattle, but I think in truth to enrich the new tavern at the bowling-green, erected by Snape (age 39), his Majesty's (age 52) farrier, a man full of projects. There appeared nothing but an innumerable assembly of drinking people from London, peddlars, etc., and I suppose it too near London to be of any great use to the country.

01 May 1683. March was unusually hot and dry, and all April excessively wet.

01 May 1683. I planted all the out limits of the garden and long walks with holly.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 May 09

09 May 1683. Dined at Sir Gabriel Sylvius's and thence to visit the Duke of Norfolk (age 54), to ask whether he would part with any of his cartoons and other drawings of Raphael, and the great masters; he told me if he might sell them all together he would, but that the late Sir Peter Lely (our famous painter) had gotten some of his best. The person who desired me to treat for them was Vander Douse, grandson to that great scholar, contemporary and friend of Joseph Scaliger.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 May 16

16 May 1683. Came to dinner and visited me Sir Richard Anderson (age 48), of Pendley, and his lady (age 50), with whom I went to London.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 08

08 Jun 1683. On my return home from the Royal Society, I found Mr. Wilbraham, a young gentleman of Cheshire.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 11

11 Jun 1683. The Lord Dartmouth (age 10) was elected Master of the Trinity House; son to George Legge (age 36), late Master of the Ordnance, and one of the grooms of the bedchamber; a great favorite of the Duke's (age 49), an active and understanding gentleman in sea affairs.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 13

13 Jun 1683. To our Society, where we received the Count de Zinzendorp, Ambassador from the Duke of Saxony, a fine young man; we showed him divers experiments on the magnet, on which subject the Society were upon.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 16

16 Jun 1683. I went to Windsor [Map], dining by the way at Chiswick, at Sir Stephen Fox's (age 56), where I found Sir Robert Howard (that universal pretender), and Signor Verrio (age 47), who brought his draught and designs for the painting of the staircase of Sir Stephen's (age 56) new house.

16 Jun 1683. That which was new at Windsor [Map] since I was last there, and was surprising to me, was the incomparable fresco painting in St. George's Hall, representing the legend of St. George, and triumph of the Black Prince, and his reception by Edward III.; the volto, or roof, not totally finished; then the Resurrection in the Chapel, where the figure of the Ascension is, in my opinion, comparable to any paintings of the most famous Roman masters; the Last Supper, also over the altar. I liked the contrivance of the unseen organ behind the altar, nor less the stupendous and beyond all description the incomparable carving of our Gibbons (age 35), who is, without controversy, the greatest master both for invention and rareness of work, that the world ever had in any age; nor doubt I at all that he will prove as great a master in the statuary art.

16 Jun 1683. Verrio's invention is admirable, his ordnance full and flowing, antique and heroical; his figures move; and, if the walls hold (which is the only doubt by reason of the salts which in time and in this moist climate prejudice), the work will preserve his name to ages.

16 Jun 1683. There was now the terrace brought almost round the old castle; the grass made clean, even, and curiously turfed; the avenues to the new park, and other walks, planted with elms and limes, and a pretty canal, and receptacle for fowl; nor less observable and famous is the throwing so huge a quantity of excellent water to the enormous height of the castle, for the use of the whole house, by an extraordinary invention of Sir Samuel Morland (age 58).

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 17

17 Jun 1683. I dined at the Earl of Sunderland's (age 41) with the Earls of Bath (age 54), Castlehaven (age 66), Lords Viscount Falconberg (age 56), Falkland (age 27), Bishop of London (age 27), the Grand Master of Malta, brother to the Duke de Vendôme (a young wild spark), and Mr. Dryden (age 51), the poet. After evening prayer, I walked in the park with my Lord Clarendon, where we fell into discourse of the Bishop of Salisbury (Dr. Seth Ward), his subtlety, etc. Dr. Durell, late Dean of Windsor, being dead, Dr. Turner, one of the Duke's chaplains was made dean.

17 Jun 1683. I visited my Lady Arlington (age 49), groom of the stole to her Majesty (age 44), who being hardly set down to supper, word was brought her that the Queen (age 44) was going into the park to walk, it being now near eleven at night; the alarm caused the Countess (age 49) to rise in all haste, and leave her supper to us.

17 Jun 1683. By this one may take an estimate of the extreme slavery and subjection that courtiers live in, who had not time to eat and drink at their pleasure. It put me in mind of Horace's "Mouse", and to bless God for my own private condition.

17 Jun 1683. Here was Monsieur de l'Angle, the famous minister of Charenton, lately fled from the persecution in France, concerning the deplorable condition of the Protestants there.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 18

18 Jun 1683. I was present, and saw and heard the humble submission and petition of the Lord Mayor, sheriffs, and aldermen, on behalf of the city of London, on the quo warranto against their charter which they delivered to his Majesty (age 53) in the presence chamber. It was delivered kneeling, and then the King (age 53) and Council went into the council chamber, the mayor and his brethren attending still in the presence chamber. After a short space they were called in, and my Lord Keeper made a speech to them, exaggerating the disorderly and riotous behavior in the late election, and polling for Papillon and Du Bois after the Common hall had been formally dissolved: with other misdemeanors, libels on the government, etc., by which they had incurred his Majesty's (age 53) high displeasure: and that but for this submission, and under such articles as the King (age 53) should require their obedience to, he would certainly enter judgment against them, which hitherto he had suspended. The things required were as follows: that they should neither elect mayor, sheriffs, aldermen, recorder, common Serjeant town clerk, coroner, nor steward of Southwark, without his Majesty's (age 53) approbation; and that if they presented any his Majesty (age 53) did not like, they should proceed in wonted manner to a second choice; if that was disapproved, his Majesty (age 53) to nominate them; and if within five days they thought good to assent to this, all former miscarriages should be forgotten. And so they tamely parted with their so ancient privileges after they had dined and been treated by the King (age 53). This was a signal and most remarkable period. What the consequences will prove, time will show. Divers of the old and most learned lawyers and judges were of opinion that they could not forfeit their charter, but might be personally punished for their misdemeanors; but the plurality of the younger judges and rising men judged it otherwise.

18 Jun 1683. The Popish Plot also, which had hitherto made such a noise, began now sensibly to dwindle, through the folly, knavery, impudence, and giddiness of Oates (age 33), so as the Papists began to hold up their heads higher than ever, and those who had fled, flocked to London from abroad. Such sudden changes and eager doings there had been without anything steady or prudent, for these last seven years.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 19

19 Jun 1683. I returned to town in a coach with the Earl of Clarendon, when passing by the glorious palace of his father, built but a few years before, which they were now demolishing, being sold to certain undertakers, I turned my head the contrary way till the coach had gone past it, lest I might minister occasion of speaking of it; which must needs have grieved him, that in so short a time their pomp was fallen.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 June 28

28 Jun 1683. After the Popish Plot, there was now a new and (as they called it) a Protestant Plot discovered, that certain Lords and others should design the assassination of the King (age 53) and the Duke (age 49) as they were to come from Newmarket, with a general rising of the nation, and especially of the city of London, disaffected to the present Government. Upon which were committed to the Tower [Map], the Lord Russell (age 43), eldest son of the Earl of Bedford (age 66), the Earl of Essex, Mr. Algernon Sidney (age 60), son to the old Earl of Leicester, Mr. Trenchard, Hampden, Lord Howard of Escrick, and others. A proclamation was issued against my Lord Grey, the Duke of Monmouth (age 34), Sir Thomas Armstrong, and one Ferguson, who had escaped beyond sea; of these some were said to be for killing the King (age 53), others for only seizing on him, and persuading him to new counsels, on the pretense of the danger of Popery, should the Duke live to succeed, who was now again admitted to the councils and cabinet secrets. The Lords Essex (age 60) and Russell (age 43) were much deplored, for believing they had any evil intention against the King (age 53), or the Church; some thought they were cunningly drawn in by their enemies for not approving some late counsels and management relating to France, to Popery, to the persecution of the Dissenters, etc. They were discovered by the Lord Howard of Escrick and some false brethren of the club, and the design happily broken; had it taken effect, it would, to all appearance, have exposed the Government to unknown and dangerous events; which God avert!

28 Jun 1683. Was born my granddaughter at Sayes Court [Map], and christened by the name of Martha Maria, our Vicar officiating. I pray God bless her, and may she choose the better part!

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 13

13 Jul 1683. As I was visiting Sir Thomas Yarborough and his Lady, in Covent Garden [Map], the astonishing news was brought to us of the Earl of Essex (age 51) having cut his throat, having been but three days a prisoner in the Tower [Map], and this happened on the very day and instant that Lord Russell (age 43) was on his trial, and had sentence of death [See Rye House Plot.]. This accident exceedingly amazed me, my Lord Essex (age 51) being so well known by me to be a person of such sober and religious deportment, so well at his ease, and so much obliged to the King (age 53). It is certain the King (age 53) and Duke (age 49) were at the Tower, and passed by his window about the same time this morning, when my Lord (age 51) asking for a razor, shut himself into a closet, and perpetrated the horrid act. Yet it was wondered by some how it was possible he should do it in the manner he was found, for the wound was so deep and wide, that being cut through the gullet, windpipe, and both the jugulars, it reached to the very vertebræ of the neck, so that the head held to it by a very little skin as it were; the gapping too of the razor, and cutting his own fingers, was a little strange; but more, that having passed the jugulars he should have strength to proceed so far, that an executioner could hardly have done more with an ax. There were odd reflections upon it.

13 Jul 1683. The fatal news coming to Hicks's Hall upon the article of my Lord Russell's (age 43) trial, was said to have had no little influence on the Jury and all the Bench to his prejudice. Others said that he had himself on some occasions hinted that in case he should be in danger of having his life taken from him by any public misfortune, those who thirsted for his estate should miss of their aim; and that he should speak favorably of that Earl of Northumberland, and some others, who made away with themselves; but these are discourses so unlike his sober and prudent conversation that I have no inclination to credit them. What might instigate him to this devilish act, I am not able to conjecture. My Lord Clarendon, his brother-in-law, who was with him but the day before, assured me he was then very cheerful, and declared it to be the effect of his innocence and loyalty; and most believe that his Majesty (age 53) had no severe intentions against him, though he was altogether inexorable as to Lord Russell (age 43) and some of the rest. For my part, I believe the crafty and ambitious Earl of Shaftesbury had brought them into some dislike of the present carriage of matters at Court, not with any design of destroying the monarchy (which Shaftesbury had in confidence and for unanswerable reasons told me he would support to his last breath, as having seen and felt the misery of being under mechanic tyranny), but perhaps of setting up some other whom he might govern, and frame to his own platonic fancy, without much regard to the religion established under the hierarchy, for which he had no esteem; but when he perceived those whom he had engaged to rise, fail of his expectations, and the day past, reproaching his accomplices that a second day for an exploit of this nature was never successful, he gave them the slip, and got into Holland, where the fox died, three months before these unhappy Lords and others were discovered or suspected. Every one deplored Essex (age 51) and Russell (age 43), especially the last, as being thought to have been drawn in on pretense only of endeavoring to rescue the King (age 53) from his present councilors, and secure religion from Popery, and the nation from arbitrary government, now so much apprehended; while the rest of those who were fled, especially Ferguson and his gang, had doubtless some bloody design to get up a Commonwealth, and turn all things topsy-turvy. Of the same tragical principles is Sydney.

13 Jul 1683. I had this day much discourse with Monsieur Pontaq, son to the famous and wise prime President of Bordeaux. This gentleman was owner of that excellent vignoble of Pontaq and O'Brien, from whence come the choicest of our Bordeaux wines; and I think I may truly say of him, what was not so truly said of St. Paul, that much learning had made him mad. He had studied well in philosophy, but chiefly the Rabbins, and was exceedingly addicted to cabalistical fancies, an eternal hablador [romancer], and half distracted by reading abundance of the extravagant Eastern Jews. He spoke all languages, was very rich, had a handsome person, and was well bred, about forty-five years of age.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 14

14 Jul 1683. I visited Mr. Fraser, a learned Scotch gentleman, whom I had formerly recommended to Lord Berkeley (age 55) for the instruction and government of his son, since dead at sea. He had now been in Holland at the sale of the learned Heinsius's library, and showed me some very rare and curious books, and some MSS., which he had purchased to good icon. There were three or four Herbals in miniature, accurately done, divers Roman antiquities of Verona, and very many books of Aldus's impression.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 15

15 Jul 1683. A stranger, an old man, preached on Jerem. vi. 8, the not hearkening to instruction, portentous of desolation to a people; much after Bishop Andrew's method, full of logical divisions, in short and broken periods, and Latin sentences, now quite out of fashion in the pulpit, which is grown into a far more profitable way, of plain and practical discourses, of which sort this nation, or any other, never had greater plenty or more profitable (I am confident); so much has it to answer for thriving no better on it.

15 Jul 1683. The public was now in great consternation on the late plot and conspiracy; his Majesty (age 53) very melancholy, and not stirring without double guards; all the avenues and private doors about Whitehall and the Park shut up, few admitted to walk in it. The Papists, in the meantime, very jocund; and indeed with reason, seeing their own plot brought to nothing, and turned to ridicule, and now a conspiracy of Protestants, as they called them.

15 Jul 1683. The Turks were likewise in hostility against the German Emperor, almost masters of the Upper Hungary, and drawing toward Vienna. On the other side, the French King (who it is believed brought in the infidels) disturbing his Spanish and Dutch neighbors, having swallowed up almost all Flanders, pursuing his ambition of a fifth universal monarchy; and all this blood and disorder in Christendom had evidently its rise from our defections at home, in a wanton peace, minding nothing but luxury, ambition, and to procure money for our vices. To this add our irreligion and atheism, great ingratitude, and self-interest; the apostacy of some, and the suffering the French to grow so great, and the Hollanders so weak. In a word, we were wanton, mad, and surfeiting with prosperity; every moment unsettling the old foundations, and never constant to anything. The Lord in mercy avert the sad omen, and that we do not provoke him till he bear it no longer!

15 Jul 1683. This summer did we suffer twenty French men-of-war to pass our Channel toward the Sound, to help the Danes against the Swedes, who had abandoned the French interest, we not having ready sufficient to guard our coasts, or take cognizance of what they did; though the nation never had more, or a better navy, yet the sea had never so slender a fleet.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 19

19 Jul 1683. George, Prince of Denmark (age 30), who had landed this day, came to marry the Lady Anne (age 18), daughter to the Duke (age 49); so I returned home, having seen the young gallant at dinner at Whitehall [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 20

20 Jul 1683. Several of the conspirators of the lower form were executed at Tyburn [Map]; and the next day.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 21

21 Jul 1683. Lord Russell (age 43) was beheaded in Lincoln's Inn Fields, the executioner giving him three butcherly strokes. The speech he made, and the paper which he gave the Sheriff of declaring his innocence, the nobleness of the family, the piety and worthiness of the unhappy gentleman, wrought much pity, and occasioned various discourses on the plot.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 25

25 Jul 1683. I again saw Prince George of Denmark (age 30): he had the Danish countenance, blonde, of few words, spoke French but ill, seemed somewhat heavy, but reported to be valiant, and indeed he had bravely rescued and brought off his brother, the King of Denmark (age 37), in a battle against the Swedes, when both these Kings were engaged very smartly.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 July 28

28 Jul 1683. He was married to the Lady Anne (age 18) at Whitehall. Her Court and household to be modeled as the Duke's, her father (age 49), had been, and they to continue in England. See Marriage of Lady Anne and Prince George.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 August

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 August 01

01 Aug 1683. Came to see me Mr. Flamsted (age 36), the famous astronomer, from his Observatory at Greenwich, to draw the meridian from my pendule, etc.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 August 02

02 Aug 1683. The Countesses of Bristol (age 63) and Sunderland (age 37), aunt and cousin-german of the late Lord Russell (deceased), came to visit me, and condole his sad fate. The next day, came Colonel Russell (age 63), uncle to the late Lord Russell (deceased), and brother to the Earl of Bedford (age 67), and with him Mrs. Middleton (age 38), that famous and indeed incomparable beauty, daughter to my relation, Sir Robert Needham.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Mar 1665. (3) Saw, among other fine ladies, Mrs. Middleton (age 20)1, a very great beauty I never knew or heard of before;

Note 1. Jane (age 20), daughter to Sir Robert Needham, is frequently mentioned in the "Grammont Memoirs", and Evelyn calls her "that famous and indeed incomparable beauty" ("Diary", August 2nd, 1683). Her portrait is in the Royal Collection amongst the beauties of Charles II's Court. Sir Robert Needham was related to John Evelyn.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 August 19

19 Aug 1683. I went to Bromley to visit our Bishop (age 58), and excellent neighbor, and to congratulate his now being made Archbishop of York. On the 28th, he came to take his leave of us, now preparing for his journey and residence in his province.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 August 28

28 Aug 1683. My sweet little grandchild, Martha Maria, died, and on the 29th was buried in the parish church.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 01

01 Sep 1683. This morning, was read in the church, after the office was done, the Declaration setting forth the late conspiracy against the King's (age 53) person.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 03

03 Sep 1683. I went to see what had been done by the Duke of Beaufort (age 54) on his lately purchased house at Chelsea, which I once had the selling of for the Countess of Bristol, he had made great alterations, but might have built a better house with the materials and the cost he had been at.

03 Sep 1683. Saw the Countess of Monte Feltre, whose husband I had formerly known, he was a subject of the Pope's, but becoming a Protestant he resided in England, and married into the family of the Savilles, of Yorkshire. The Count, her late husband, was a very learned gentleman, a great politician, and a goodly man. She was accompanied by her sister, exceedingly skilled in painting, nor did they spare for color on their own faces. They had a great deal of wit.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 09

09 Sep 1683. It being the day of public thanksgiving for his Majesty's (age 53) late preservation, the former Declaration was again read, and there was an office used, composed for the occasion. A loyal sermon was preached on the divine right of Kings, from Psalm cxliv. 10. "Thou hast preserved David from the peril of the sword"..

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 15

15 Sep 1683. Came to visit me the learned anatomist, Dr. Tyson (age 32), with some other Fellows of our Society.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 16

16 Sep 1683. At the elegant villa and garden of Mr. Bohun, at Lee. He showed me the zinnar tree, or platanus, and told me that since they had planted this kind of tree about the city of Ispahan, in Persia, the plague, which formerly much infested the place, had exceedingly abated of its mortal effects, and rendered it very healthy.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 18

18 Sep 1683. I went to London to visit the Duchess of Grafton (age 15), now great with child, a most virtuous and beautiful lady. Dining with her at my Lord Chamberlain's, met my Lord of St. Alban's (age 78), now grown so blind, that he could not see to take his meat. He has lived a most easy life, in plenty even abroad, while his Majesty (age 53) was a sufferer; he has lost immense sums at play, which yet, at about eighty years old, he continues, having one that sits by him to name the spots on the cards. He ate and drank with extraordinary appetite. He is a prudent old courtier, and much enriched since his Majesty's (age 53) return.

18 Sep 1683. After dinner, I walked to survey the sad demolition of Clarendon House, that costly and only sumptuous palace of the late Lord Chancellor Hyde, where I have often been so cheerful with him, and sometimes so sad: happening to make him a visit but the day before he fled from the angry Parliament, accusing him of maladministration, and being envious at his grandeur, who from a private lawyer came to be father-in-law to the Duke of York (age 49), and as some would suggest, designing his Majesty's (age 53) marriage with the Infanta of Portugal (age 44), not apt to breed. To this they imputed much of our unhappiness; and that he, being sole minister and favorite at his Majesty's (age 53) restoration, neglected to gratify the King's (age 53) suffering party, preferring those who were the cause of our troubles. But perhaps as many of these things were injuriously laid to his charge, so he kept the government far steadier than it has proved since. I could name some who I think contributed greatly to his ruin,-the buffoons and the MISSIS, to whom he was an eye-sore. It is true he was of a jolly temper, after the old English fashion; but France had now the ascendant, and we were become quite another nation. The Chancellor gone, and dying in exile, the Earl his successor sold that which cost £50,000 building, to the young Duke of Albemarle (age 30) for £25,000, to pay debts which how contracted remains yet a mystery, his son (age 30) being no way a prodigal. Some imagine the Duchess his daughter (age 29) [Note. Daughter-in-law?] had been chargeable to him. However it were, this stately palace is decreed to ruin, to support the prodigious waste the Duke of Albemarle (age 30) had made of his estate, since the old man died. He sold it to the highest bidder, and it fell to certain rich bankers and mechanics, who gave for it and the ground about it, £35,000; they design a new town, as it were, and a most magnificent piazza [square]. It is said they have already materials toward it with what they sold of the house alone, more worth than what they paid for it. See the vicissitudes of earthly things! I was astonished at this demolition, nor less at the little army of laborers and artificers leveling the ground, laying foundations, and contriving great buildings at an expense of £200,000, if they perfect their design.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 19

19 Sep 1683. In my walks I stepped into a goldbeater's workhouse, where he showed me the wonderful ductility of that spreading and oily metal. He said it must be finer than the standard, such as was old angel-gold, and that of such he had once to the value of £100 stamped with the agnus dei, and coined at the time of the holy war; which had been found in a ruined wall somewhere in the North, near to Scotland, some of which he beat into leaves, and the rest sold to the curiosi in antiquities and medals.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 September 23

23 Sep 1683. We had now the welcome tidings of the King (age 53) of Poland raising the siege of Vienna, which had given terror to all Europe, and utmost reproach to the French, who it is believed brought in the Turks for diversion, that the French King might the more easily swallow Flanders, and pursue his unjust conquest on the empire, while we sat unconcerned and under a deadly charm from somebody.

23 Sep 1683. There was this day a collection for rebuilding Newmarket, consumed by an accidental fire, which removing his Majesty (age 53) thence sooner than was intended, put by the assassins, who were disappointed of their rendezvous and expectation by a wonderful providence. This made the King (age 53) more earnest to render Winchester the seat of his autumnal field diversions for the future, designing a palace there, where the ancient castle stood; infinitely indeed preferable to Newmarket for prospects, air, pleasure, and provisions. The surveyor has already begun the foundation for a palace, estimated to cost £35,000, and his Majesty (age 53) is purchasing ground about it to make a park, etc.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 October

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 October 04

04 Oct 1683. I went to London, on receiving a note from the Countess of Arlington (age 49), of some considerable charge or advantage I might obtain by applying myself to his Majesty (age 53) on this signal conjuncture of his Majesty (age 53) entering up judgment against the city charter; the proposal made me I wholly declined, not being well satisfied with these violent transactions, and not a little sorry that his Majesty (age 53) was so often put upon things of this nature against so great a city, the consequence whereof may be so much to his prejudice; so I returned home. At this time, the Lord Chief-Justice Pemberton (age 59) was displaced. He was held to be the most learned of the judges, and an honest man. Sir George Jeffreys (age 38) was advanced, reputed to be most ignorant, but most daring. Sir George Treby, Recorder of London, was also put by, and one Genner, an obscure lawyer, set in his place. Eight of the richest and chief aldermen were removed and all the rest made only justices of the peace, and no more wearing of gowns, or chains of gold; the Lord Mayor and two sheriffs holding their places by new grants as custodes, at the King's (age 53) pleasure. The pomp and grandeur of the most august city in the world thus changed face in a moment; which gave great occasion of discourse and thoughts of hearts, what all this would end in. Prudent men were for the old foundations.

04 Oct 1683. Following his Majesty (age 53) this morning through the gallery, I went with the few who attended him, into the Duchess of Portsmouth's (age 34) Dressing Room within her bedchamber, where she was in her morning loose garment, her maids combing her, newly out of her bed, his Majesty (age 53) and the gallants standing about her; but that which engaged my curiosity, was the rich and splendid furniture of this woman's apartment, now twice or thrice pulled down and rebuilt to satisfy her prodigal and expensive pleasures, while her Majesty's (age 53) does not exceed some gentlemen's ladies in furniture and accommodation. Here I saw the new fabric of French tapestry, for design, tenderness of work, and incomparable imitation of the best paintings, beyond anything I had ever beheld. Some pieces had Versailles, St. Germains, and other palaces of the French King, with huntings, figures, and landscapes, exotic fowls, and all to the life rarely done. Then for Japan cabinets, screens, pendule clocks, great vases of wrought plate, tables, stands, chimney-furniture, sconces, branches, braseras, etc., all of massy silver and out of number, besides some of her Majesty's (age 53) best paintings.

04 Oct 1683. Surfeiting of this, I dined at Sir Stephen Fox's (age 56) and went contented home to my poor, but quiet villa. What contentment can there be in the riches and splendor of this world, purchased with vice and dishonor?.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 October 10

10 Oct 1683. Visited the Duchess of Grafton (age 15), not yet brought to bed, and dining with my Lord Chamberlain (her father) (age 65), went with them to see Montague House, a palace lately built by Lord Montague (age 44), who had married the most beautiful Countess of Northumberland (age 29). It is a stately and ample palace. Signor Verrio's (age 47) fresco paintings, especially the funeral pile of Dido, on the staircase, the labors of Hercules, fight with the Centaurs, his effeminacy with Dejanira, and Apotheosis or reception among the gods, on the walls and roof of the great room above,-I think exceeds anything he has yet done, both for design, coloring, and exuberance of invention, comparable to the greatest of the old masters, or what they so celebrate at Rome. In the rest of the chamber are some excellent paintings of Holbein, and other masters. The garden is large, and in good air, but the fronts of the house not answerable to the inside. The court at entry, and wings for offices seem too near the street, and that so very narrow and meanly built, that the corridor is not in proportion to the rest, to hide the court from being overlooked by neighbors; all which might have been prevented, had they placed the house further into the ground, of which there was enough to spare. But on the whole it is a fine palace, built after the French pavilion-way, by Mr. Hooke, the Curator of the Royal Society. There were with us my Lady Scroope, the great wit, and Monsieur Chardine (age 39), the celebrated traveler.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 October 13

13 Oct 1683. Came to visit me my old and worthy friend, Mr. Packer, bringing with him his nephew Berkeley, grandson to the honest judge. A most ingenious, virtuous, and religious gentleman, seated near Worcester, and very curious in gardening.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 October 17

17 Oct 1683. I was at the court-leet of this manor, my Lord Arlington (age 65) his Majesty's (age 53) High Steward.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 October 26

26 Oct 1683. Came to visit and dine with me, Mr. Brisbane, Secretary to the Admiralty, a learned and agreeable man.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 October 30

30 Oct 1683. I went to Kew to visit Sir Henry Capell (age 45), brother to the late Earl of Essex; but he being gone to Cashiobury, after I had seen his garden and the alterations therein, I returned home. He had repaired his house, roofed his hall with a kind of cupola, and in a niche was an artificial fountain; but the room seems to me over-melancholy, yet might be much improved by having the walls well painted á fresco. The two green houses for oranges and myrtles, communicating with the rooms below, are very well contrived. There is a cupola made with pole-work between two elms at the end of a walk, which being covered by plashing the trees to them, is very pretty; for the rest there are too many fir trees in the garden.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 November

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 November 17

17 Nov 1683. I took a house in Villiers Street, York Buildings, for the winter, having many important concerns to dispatch, and for the education of my daughters.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 November 23

23 Nov 1683. The Duke of Monmouth (age 34), till now proclaimed traitor on the pretended plot for which Lord Russell was lately beheaded, came this evening to Whitehall [Map] and rendered himself, on which were various discourses.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 November 26

26 Nov 1683. I went to compliment the Duchess of Grafton (age 15), now lying-in of her first child, a son, which she called for, that I might see it. She was become more beautiful, if it were possible, than before, and full of virtue and sweetness. She discoursed with me of many particulars, with great prudence and gravity beyond her years.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 November 29

29 Nov 1683. Mr. Forbes showed me the plot of the garden making at Burleigh, at my Lord Exeter's, which I looked on as one of the most noble that I had seen.

29 Nov 1683. The whole court and town in solemn mourning for the death of the King of Portugal, her Majesty's (age 45) brother.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 November 30

30 Nov 1683. At the anniversary dinner of the Royal Society the King (age 53) sent us two does. Sir Cyril Wych (age 51) was elected President.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1683 December

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 December 05

05 Dec 1683. I was this day invited to a wedding of one Mrs. Castle, to whom I had some obligation, and it was to her fifth husband, a lieutenant-colonel of the city. She was the daughter of one Burton, a broom-man, by his wife, who sold kitchen stuff in Kent Street, whom God so blessed that the father became a very rich, and was a very honest man; he was Sheriff of Surrey, where I have sat on the bench with him. Another of his daughters was married to Sir John Bowles; and this daughter was a jolly friendly woman. There was at the wedding the Lord Mayor, the Sheriff, several Aldermen and persons of quality; above all, Sir George Jeffreys (age 38), newly made Lord Chief Justice of England, with Mr. Justice Withings, danced with the bride, and were exceedingly merry. These great men spent the rest of the afternoon, till eleven at night, in drinking healths, taking tobacco, and talking much beneath the gravity of judges, who had but a day or two before condemned Mr. Algernon Sidney (age 60), who was executed the 7th on Tower Hill [Map], on the single witness of that monster of a man, Lord Howard of Escrick, and some sheets of paper taken in Mr. Sidney's (age 60) study, pretended to be written by him, but not fully proved, nor the time when, but appearing to have been written before his Majesty's (age 53) Restoration, and then pardoned by the Act of Oblivion; so that though Mr. Sidney was known to be a person obstinately averse to government by a monarch (the subject of the paper was in answer to one by Sir E. Filmer), yet it was thought he had very hard measure. There is this yet observable, that he had been an inveterate enemy to the last king, and in actual rebellion against him; a man of great courage, great sense, great parts, which he showed both at his trial and death; for, when he came on the scaffold, instead of a speech, he told them only that he had made his peace with God, that he came not thither to talk, but to die; put a paper into the sheriff's hand, and another into a friend's; said one prayer as short as a grace, laid down his neck, and bid the executioner do his office.

05 Dec 1683. The Duke of Monmouth (age 34), now having his pardon, refuses to acknowledge there was any treasonable plot; for which he is banished Whitehall. This is a great disappointment to some who had prosecuted Trenchard, Hampden, etc., that for want of a second witness were come out of the Tower upon their habeas corpus.

05 Dec 1683. the King (age 53) had now augmented his guards with a new sort of dragoons, who carried also grenades, and were habited after the Polish manner, with long peaked caps, very fierce and fantastical.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 December 07

07 Dec 1683. I went to the Tower, and visited the Earl of Danby (age 51), the late Lord High Treasurer, who had ben imprison'd four years: he receiv'd me with greate kindnesse. I dined with him, and staied till night. We had discourse of many things, his Lady (age 54) railing sufficiently at the keeping her husband so long in prison. Here I saluted the Lord Dunblaine's (age 24) wife (age 21), who before had ben married to Emerton, and about whom there was that scandalous businesse before ye delegates.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 December 23

23 Dec 1683. The smallpox very prevalent and mortal; the Thames frozen.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 December 26

26 Dec 1683. I dined at Lord Clarendon's, where I was to meet that ingenious and learned gent Sr Geo. Wheeler (age 32), who has published the excellent description of Africa and Greece, and who being a Knight of a very fair estate and young, had now newly entred into holy orders.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 December 27

27 Dec 1683. I went to visite Sir John Chardin (age 40), a French gentleman who had travell'd three times by land into Persia, and had made many curious researches in his travells, of which he was now setting forth a relation. It being in England this year one of the severest frosts that had hap pen'd of many yeares, he told me the cold in Persia was much greater, the ice of an incredible thicknesse; that they had little use of iron in all that country, it being so moiste (tho' the aire admirably clear and healthy), that oyle would not preserve it from rusting, so that they had neither clocks nor watches; some padlocks they had for doores and boxes.

John Evelyn's Diary 1683 December 30

30 Dec 1683. Dr. Sprat (age 48), now made Deane of Westminster, preached to the King (age 53) at Whitehall [Map], on 6 Matt. 24. Recollecting the passages of the past yeare, I gave God thanks for his mercies, praying his blessing for the future.