Evelyn's Diary. 13 Jun 1673. Came to visit us, with other ladies of rank, Mrs. Sedley (age 15), daughter to [her father] Sir Charles (age 34), who was none of the most virtuous, but a wit. [Note. Her age somewhat curious as does her title Mrs but Ms was not in common usage then. There are no other Sir Charles Sedley other than Charles Sedley 5th Baronet (age 34).].

Before 1676 Catherine Sedley Countess Dorchester and Portmore (age 18) became the mistress of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 42).

In 1684 Godfrey Kneller (age 37). Portrait of Catherine Sedley Countess Dorchester and Portmore (age 26).

1685. Peter Cross (age 40). Miniature portrait of Catherine Sedley Countess Dorchester and Portmore (age 27).

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Jan 1686. Passed the Privie Seale, amongst others, the creation of Mrs. Sedley J (concubine to) Countesse of Dorchester (age 28), which the Queene took very grievously (age 27), so as for two dinners, standing neere her I observed she hardly eate one morsel, nor spake one word to the King (age 52), or to any about her, tho' at other times she us'd to be extreamly pleasant, full of discourse and good humour. The Roman Catholics were also very angry, because they had so long valu'd the sanctity of their religion and proselytes. Dryden (age 54) the famous playwriter, and his two sonns, and Mrs. Nelly (age 35) (Misse to ye late) were said to go to masse; such proselytes were no greate losse to the church. This night was burnt to the ground my Lord Mountague's palace in Bloomsbury, than wch for painting and furniture there was nothing more glorious in England. This happen'd by the negligence of a servant, airing, as they call it, some of the goods by the fire in a moist season; indeede so wet and mild a winter had scarce ben seene in man's memory. At this Seale there also pass'd the creation of Sr H. Walgrave (age 25) to be a Peere. He had married one of the King's natural daughters (age 19) by Mrs. Churchill. These two Seales my brother Commissioners pass'd in the morning before I came to towne, at. wch I was not displeas'd. We likewise pass'd Privy Seales for 5.2/6,000 upon severall accounts, pensions, guards, wardrobes, pri vie purse, &c. besides divers pardons, and one more wch I must not forget (and wch by Providence I was not present at) one Mr. Lytcott to be Secretary to the Ambassador to Rome. We being three Commissioners, any two were a quorum.