Evelyn's Diary. 10 Sep 1647. Being called into England, to settle my affairs after an absence of four years, I took leave of the Prince (age 17) and Queen (age 37), leaving my wife (age 12), yet very young, under the care of an excellent lady and prudent [her mother] mother (age 37).

Evelyn's Diary. 14 Oct 1647. To Sayes Court, Deptford [Map], at Deptford, in Kent (since my house), where I found Mr. Pretyman, my wife's (age 12) uncle, who had charge of it and the estate about it, during my father-in-law's residence in France. On the 15th, I again occupied my own chambers in the Middle Temple.

Evelyn's Diary. 16 Feb 1649. Paris [Map] being now strictly besieged by the Prince de Condé (age 27), my wife (age 14) being shut up with her [her father] father (age 44) and [her mother] mother (age 39), I wrote a letter of consolation to her: and, on the 22d, having recommended Obadiah Walker (age 33), a learned and most ingenious person, to be tutor to, and travel with, Mr. Hillyard's two sons, returned to Sayes Court, Deptford [Map].

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Feb 1649. Came out of France my wife's (age 14) uncle (Paris still besieged), being robbed at sea by the Dunkirk pirates: I lost, among other goods, my wife's (age 14) picture, painted by Monsieur Bourdon.

Evelyn's Diary. 21 Mar 1649. I received letters from Paris from my wife (age 14), and from Sir Richard [Browne], with whom I kept up a political correspondence, with no small danger of being discovered.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Aug 1649. The next day, came to welcome me at dinner the Lord High Treasurer Cottington (age 70), Sir Edward Hyde, Chancellor (age 40), Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State, Sir George Carteret, Governor of Jersey (age 39), and Dr. Earle (age 48), having now been absent from my wife (age 14) above a year and a half.

Evelyn's Diary. 07 Sep 1649. Went with my wife (age 14) and dear Cousin to St. Germains, and kissed the Queen-Mother's (age 39) hand; dined with my Lord Keeper and Lord Hatton (age 44). Divers of the great men of France came to see the King (age 19). The next day, came the Prince of Condé (age 27). Returning to Paris, we went to see the President Maison's palace, built castle-wise, of a milk-white fine freestone; the house not vast, but well contrived, especially the staircase, and the ornaments of Putti, about it. It is environed in a dry moat, the offices under ground, the gardens very excellent with extraordinary long walks, set with elms, and a noble prospect toward the forest, and on the Seine toward Paris. Take it altogether, the meadows, walks, river, forest, corn-ground, and vineyards, I hardly saw anything in Italy to exceed it. The iron gates are very magnificent. He has pulled down a whole village to make room for his pleasure about it.

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Feb 1650. In the evening, came Signor Alessandro, one of the Cardinal Mazarine's (age 47) musicians, and a person of great name for his knowledge in that art, to visit my wife (age 15), and sung before divers persons of quality in my chamber.

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Jun 1650. I made my will, and, taking leave of my wife (age 15) and other friends, took horse for England, paying the messenger eight pistoles for me and my servant to Calais [Map], setting out with seventeen in company well-armed, some Portuguese, Swiss, and French, whereof six were captains and officers. We came the first night to Beaumont; next day, to Beauvais, and lay at Pois, and the next, without dining, reached Abbeville [Map]; next, dined at Montreuil, and proceeding met a company on foot (being now within the inroads of the parties which dangerously infest this day's journey from St. Omers and the frontiers), which we drew very near to, ready and resolute to charge through, and accordingly were ordered and led by a captain of our train; but, as we were on the speed, they called out, and proved to be Scotchmen, newly raised and landed, and few among them armed. This night, we were well treated at Boulogne. The next day, we marched in good order, the passage being now exceeding dangerous, and got to Calais by a little after two. The sun so scorched my face, that it made the skin peel off.

Evelyn's Diary. 20 Mar 1651. I went this night with my wife (age 16) to a ball at the Marquis de Crevecœur's, where were divers princes, dukes, and great persons; but what appeared to me very mean was, that it began with a puppet-play.

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Aug 1651. I went with my wife (age 16) to Conflans, where were abundance of ladies and others bathing in the river; the ladies had their tents spread on the water for privacy.

Evelyn's Diary. 29 Aug 1651. Was kept as a solemn fast for the calamities of our poor Church, now trampled on by the rebels. Mr. Waller (age 45), being at St. Germains, desired me to send him a coach from Paris, to bring my wife's (age 16) goddaughter to Paris, to be buried by the Common Prayer.

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Sep 1651. I went with my wife (age 16) to St. Germains, to condole with Mr. Waller's (age 45) loss. I carried with me and treated at dinner that excellent and pious person the Dean of St. Paul's, Dr. Stewart, and Sir Lewis Dives (age 52) (half-brother to the Earl of Bristol (age 38)) [Note. Beatrice Walcott was mother to Lewis Dyve (age 52) and George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol (age 38) by her first and second husbands respectively. At the time of writing, 1651, the Earl of Bristol was John Digby 1st Earl Bristol (age 71); a case of Evelyn writing hi sdiary retrospectively], who entertained us with his wonderful escape out of prison in Whitehall [Map], the very evening before he was to have been put to death, leaping down out of a jakes two stories high into the Thames at high water, in the coldest of winter, and at night; so as by swimming he got to a boat that attended for him, though he was guarded by six musketeers. After this, he went about in women's habit, and then in a small-coal-man's, traveling 200 miles on foot, embarked for Scotland with some men he had raised, who coming on shore were all surprised and imprisoned on the Marquis of Montrose's score; he not knowing anything of their barbarous murder of that hero. This he told us was his fifth escape, and none less miraculous; with this note, that the charging through 1,000 men armed, or whatever danger could befall a man, he believed could not more confound and distract a man's thoughts than the execution of a premeditated escape, the passions of hope and fear being so strong. This knight was indeed a valiant gentleman; but not a little given to romance, when he spoke of himself. I returned to Paris the same evening.

Evelyn's Diary. 21 Dec 1651. Came to visit my wife (age 16), Mrs. Lane, the lady who conveyed the King (age 21) to the seaside at his escape from Worcester. Mr. John Cosin, son of the Dean (age 57), debauched by the priests, wrote a letter to me to mediate for him with his father. I prepared for my last journey, being now resolved to leave France altogether.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Feb 1652. At Calais [Map], I dined with my Lord Wentworth (age 39), and met with Mr. Heath, Sir Richard Lloyd, Captain Paine, and divers of our banished friends, of whom understanding that the Count de la Strade, Governor of Dunkirk, was in the town, who had bought my wife's (age 17) picture, taken by pirates at sea the year before (my wife (age 11) having sent it for me in England), as my Lord of Norwich had informed me at Paris, I made my address to him, who frankly told me that he had such a picture in his own bedchamber among other ladies, and how he came by it; seeming well pleased that it was his fortune to preserve it for me, and he generously promised to send it to any friend I had at Dover; I mentioned a French merchant there and so took my leave.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Mar 1652. I went to Deptford [Map], where I made preparation for my settlement, no more intending to go out of England, but endeavor a settled life, either in this or some other place, there being now so little appearance of any change for the better, all being entirely in the rebels' hands; and this particular habitation and the estate contiguous to it (belonging to my father-in-law, actually in his Majesty's (age 21) service) very much suffering for want of some friend to rescue it out of the power of the usurpers, so as to preserve our interest, and take some care of my other concerns, by the advice and endeavor of my friends I was advised to reside in it, and compound with the soldiers. This I was besides authorized by his Majesty (age 21) to do, and encouraged with a promise that what was in lease from the Crown, if ever it pleased God to restore him, he would secure to us in fee farm. I had also addresses and cyphers, to correspond with his Majesty (age 21) and Ministers abroad: upon all which inducements, I was persuaded to settle henceforth in England, having now run about the world, most part out of my own country, near ten years. I therefore now likewise meditated sending over for my wife (age 17), whom as yet I had left at Paris.

Evelyn's Diary. 15 Apr 1652. The Count de Strade most generously and handsomely sent me the picture of my wife (age 17) from Dunkirk, in a large tin case without any charge. It is of Mr. Bourdon, and is that which has the dog in it, and is to the knees, but it has been somewhat spoiled by washing it ignorantly with soapsuds.

Evelyn's Diary. 29 May 1652. I went to give order about a coach to be made against my wife's (age 17) coming, being my first coach, the pattern whereof I brought out of Paris.

Evelyn's Diary. 30 May 1652. I went to obtain of my Lord Devonshire (age 34) that my nephew, George, might be brought up with my young Lord, his son, to whom I was recommending Mr. Wase (age 25). I also inspected the manner of camleting silk and grograms at one Monsieur La Dorées in Moor-fields, and thence to Colonel Morley (age 36), one of their Council of State, as then called, who had been my schoolfellow, to request a pass for my wife's (age 17) safe landing, and the goods she was to bring with her out of France; which he courteously granted, and did me many other kindnesses, that was a great matter in those days.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Jun 1652. I received a letter from Colonel Morley (age 36) to the Magistrates and Searchers at Rye [Map], to assist my wife (age 17) at her landing, and show her all civility.

Evelyn's Diary. 04 Jun 1652. I set out to meet her now on her journey from Paris, after she had obtained leave to come out of that city, which had now been besieged some time by the Prince of Condé's army in the time of the rebellion, and after she had been now near twelve years from her own country, that is, since five years of age, at which time she went over. I went to Rye [Map] to meet her, where was an embargo on occasion of the late conflict with the Holland fleet, the two nations being now in war, and which made sailing very unsafe.

Evelyn's Diary. 11 Jun 1652. About four in the afternoon, being at bowls on the green, we discovered a vessel which proved to be that in which my wife (age 17) was, and which got into the harbor about eight that evening, to my no small joy. They had been three days at sea, and escaped the Dutch fleet, through which they passed, taken for fishers, which was great good fortune, there being seventeen bales of furniture and other rich plunder, which I bless God came all safe to land, together with my wife (age 17), and my [her mother] Lady Browne (age 42), her mother, who accompanied her. My wife (age 17) being discomposed by having been so long at sea, we set not forth toward home till the 14th, when, hearing the smallpox was very rife in and about London, and Lady Browne (age 42) having a desire to drink Tunbridge waters, I carried them thither, and stayed in a very sweet place, private and refreshing, and took the waters myself till the 23d, when I went to prepare for their reception, leaving them for the present in their little cottage by the Wells.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Jan 1653. I set apart in preparation for the Blessed Sacrament, which the next day Mr. Owen administered to me and all my family in Sayes Court [Map], preaching on John vi. 32, 33, showing the exceeding benefits of our blessed Savior taking our nature upon him. He had christened my son and churched my wife (age 18) in our own house as before noticed.

Evelyn's Diary. 11 Oct 1653. My son, [her son] John Stansfield, was born, being my second child, and christened by the name of my mother's father, that name now quite extinct, being of Cheshire. Christened by Mr. Owen, in my library, at Sayes Court [Map], where he afterward churched my wife (age 18), I always making use of him on these occasions, because the parish minister dared not have officiated according to the form and usage of the Church of England, to which I always adhered.

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Jun 1654.. my wife (age 19) and I set out in a coach and four horses, in our way to visit relations of hers in Wiltshire, and other parts, where we resolved to spend some months. We dined at Windsor [Map], saw the Castle and Chapel of St. George, where they have laid our blessed Martyr, King Charles, in the vault just before the alter. The church and workmanship in stone is admirable. The Castle itself is large in circumference; but the rooms melancholy, and of ancient magnificence. The keep, or mount, hath, besides its incomparable prospect, a very profound well; and the terrace toward Eton, with the park, meandering Thames, and sweet meadows, yield one of the most delightful prospects. That night, we lay at Reading. Saw my Lord Craven's (age 46) house at Causam [Caversham], now in ruins, his goodly woods felling by the Rebels.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Jun 1654. Dined at Marlborough [Map], which having been lately fired, was now new built. At one end of this town, we saw my Lord Seymour's (age 64) house, but nothing observable save the Mount, to which we ascended by windings for near half a mile. It seems to have been cast up by hand. We passed by Colonel Popham's (age 49), a noble seat, park, and river. Thence, to Newbury [Map], a considerable town, and Donnington, famous for its battle, siege, and castle, this last had been in the possession of old Geoffrey Chaucer. Then to Aldermaston, a house of Sir Humphrey Forster's, built à la moderne. Also, that exceedingly beautiful seat of my Lord Pembroke (age 33), on the ascent of hill, flanked with wood, and regarding the river, and so, at night, to Cadenham, the mansion of Edward Hungerford (age 21), Esq, uncle to my wife (age 19), where we made some stay. The rest of the week we did nothing but feast and make good cheer, to welcome my wife (age 19).

Evelyn's Diary. 04 Jul 1654. On a letter from my wife's (age 19) uncle, Mr. Pretyman, I waited back on her to London, passing by Hungerford, a town famous for its trouts, and the next day arrived at Deptford, which was 60 miles, in the extremity of heat.

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Jul 1654. I went early to London, and the following day met my wife (age 19) and company at Oxford, the eve of the Act.

Evelyn's Diary. 11 Jul 1654. Then, I led my wife (age 19) into the Convocation House, finely wainscoted; the Divinity School, and Gothic carved roof; the Physic, or Anatomy School, adorned with some rarities of natural things; but nothing extraordinary save the skin of a jackal, a rarely-colored jackatoo, or prodigious large parrot, two humming birds, not much bigger than our bumblebee, which indeed I had not seen before, that I remember.

Evelyn's Diary. 16 Jul 1654. We went to another uncle and relative of my wife's (age 19), Sir John Glanville (age 68), a famous lawyer, formerly Speaker of the House of Commons; his seat is at Broad Hinton, where he now lived but in the gate-house, his very fair dwelling house having been burnt by his own hands, to prevent the rebels making a garrison of it. Here, my cousin William Glanville's eldest son showed me such a lock for a door, that for its filing, and rare contrivances was a masterpiece, yet made by a country blacksmith. But, we have seen watches made by another with as much curiosity as the best of that profession can brag of; and, not many years after, there was nothing more frequent than all sorts of ironwork more exquisitely wrought and polished than in any part of Europe, so as a door lock of a tolerable price was esteemed a curiosity even among foreign princes.

Evelyn's Diary. 29 Jul 1654. I went to Langford to see my Cousin Stephens. I also saw Dryfield, the house heretofore of Sir John Pretyman, grandfather to my wife (age 19), and sold by her uncle; both the seat and house very honorable and well built, much after the modern fashion.

Evelyn's Diary. 31 Jul 1654. Taking leave of Cadenham, where we had been long and nobly entertained, we went a compass into Leicestershire, where dwelt another relation of my wife's (age 19); for I indeed made these excursions to show her the most considerable parts of her native country, who, from her childhood, had lived altogether in France, as well as for my own curiosity and information.

Evelyn's Diary. 04 Aug 1654. Hence, riding through a considerable part of Leicestershire, an open, rich, but unpleasant country, we came late in the evening to Horninghold [Map], a seat of my wife's (age 19) uncle.

Evelyn's Diary. 30 Aug 1654. Taking leave of my friends, who had now feasted me more than a month, I, with my wife (age 19), etc., set our faces toward home, and got this evening to Peterborough [Map], passing by a stately palace (Thorpe) of St. John's (one deep in the blood of our good king), built out of the ruins of the Bishop's palace and cloister. The church is exceeding fair, full of. Monuments of great antiquity. Here lies Queen Catherine, the unhappy wife of Henry VIII, and the no less unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots. On the steeple, we viewed the fens of Lincolnshire, now much inclosed and drained with infinite expense, and by many sluices, cuts, mounds, and ingenious mills, and the like inventions; at which the city and country about it consisting of a poor and very lazy sort of people, were much displeased.

Evelyn's Diary. 19 Jan 1655. My wife (age 20) was brought to bed of another [her son] son, being my third, but second living. Christened on the 26th by the name of John.

Evelyn's Diary. 25 Dec 1655. I went to London, where Dr. Wild preached the funeral sermon of Preaching, this being the last day; after which Cromwell's (age 56) proclamation was to take place, that none of the Church of England should dare either to preach, or administer Sacraments, teach schools, etc., on pain of imprisonment, or exile. So this was the most mournful day that in my life I had seen, or the Church of England herself, since the Reformation; to the great rejoicing of both Papist and Presbyter.54 So pathetic was his discourse, that it drew many tears from the auditory. Myself, wife (age 20), and some of our family, received the Communion, God make me thankful, who hath hitherto provided for us the food of our souls as well as bodies! The Lord Jesus pity our distressed Church, and bring back the captivity of Zion!

Evelyn's Diary. 25 Dec 1657. I went to London with my wife (age 22), to celebrate Christmas-day, Mr. Gunning (age 43) preaching in Exeter chapel [Map], on Micah vii. 2. Sermon ended, as he was giving us the Holy Sacrament, the chapel was surrounded with soldiers, and all the communicants and assembly surprised and kept prisoners by them, some in the house, others carried away. It fell to my share to be confined to a room in the house, where yet I was permitted to dine with the master of it, the Countess of Dorset (age 35), Baroness Hatton (age 45), and some others of quality who invited me. In the afternoon, came Colonel Whalley, Goffe, and others, from Whitehall [Map], to examine us one by one; some they committed to the marshal [Map], some to prison. When I came before them, they took my name and abode, examined me why, contrary to the ordinance made, that none should any longer observe the superstitious time of the nativity (so esteemed by them), I durst offend, and particularly be at common prayers, which they told me was but the mass in English, and particularly pray for Charles Stuart (age 27); for which we had no Scripture. I told them we did not pray for Charles Stuart (age 27), but for all Christian kings, princes, and governors. They replied, in so doing we prayed for the king of Spain, too, who was their enemy and a Papist, with other frivolous and ensnaring questions, and much threatening; and, finding no color to detain me, they dismissed me with much pity of my ignorance. These were men of high flight and above ordinances, and spoke spiteful things of our Lord's nativity. As we went up to receive the Sacrament, the miscreants held their muskets against us, as if they would have shot us at the altar; but yet suffering us to finish the office of Communion, as perhaps not having instructions what to do, in case they found us in that action. So I got home late the next day; blessed be God!

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1658. I went with my wife (age 23) to keep Christmas at my cousin, George Tuke's, at Cressing Temple, in Essex. Lay that night at Brentwood [Map].

Evelyn's Diary. 10 Oct 1659. I came with my wife (age 24) and family to London: took lodgings at the Three Feathers [Map], in Russell Street, Covent Garden, for the winter, my son being very unwell.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Oct 1660. Being this day in the bedchamber of the Princess Henrietta (age 16), where were many great beauties and noblemen, I saluted divers of my old friends and acquaintances abroad; his Majesty (age 30) carrying my wife (age 25) to salute the Queen (age 50) and Princess (age 16), and then led her into his closet, and with his own hands showed her divers curiosities.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Dec 1660. The marriage of the Chancellor's (age 51) daughter (age 23) being now newly owned, I went to see her, she being [her father] Sir Richard Browne's (age 55) intimate acquaintance when she waited on the Princess of Orange (age 29); she was now at her father's, at Worcester House, in the Strand. We all kissed her hand, as did also my Lord Chamberlain (age 58) (Manchester) and Countess of Northumberland (age 37). This was a strange change-can it succeed well?-I spent the evening at St. James's, whither the Princess Henrietta (age 16) was retired during the fatal sickness of her sister, the Princess of Orange (age 29), now come over to salute the King (age 30) her brother. The Princess (age 16) gave my wife (age 25) an extraordinary compliment and gracious acceptance, for the "Character" she had presented her the day before, and which was afterward printed.

Evelyn's Diary. 31 Mar 1661. This night, his Majesty (age 30) promised to make my wife (age 26) Lady of the Jewels (a very honorable charge) to the future Queen (but which he never performed).

Evelyn's Diary. 11 May 1661. my wife (age 26) presented to his Majesty (age 30) the Madonna she had copied in miniature from P. Oliver's painting, after Raphael, which she wrought with extraordinary pains and judgment. the King (age 30) was infinitely pleased with it, and caused it to be placed in his cabinet among his best paintings.

Evelyn's Diary. 15 Aug 1661. I went to Tunbridge Wells, Kent [Map], my wife (age 26) being there for the benefit of her health. Walking about the solitudes, I greatly admired the extravagant turnings, insinuations, and growth of certain birch trees among the rocks.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Jul 1662. my wife (age 27) met me at Woodcot, whither Mr. Howard (age 33) accompanied me to see my son John, who had been much brought up among Mr. Howard's (age 33) children at Arundel House [Map], till, for fear of their perverting him in the Catholic religion, I was forced to take him home.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Aug 1664. I went from London to Wotton, Surrey [Map], to assist at the funeral of my sister-in-law, the Lady Cotton, buried in our dormitory there, she being put up in lead. Dr. Owen made a profitable and pathetic discourse, concluding with an eulogy of that virtuous, pious, and deserving lady. It was a very solemn funeral, with about fifty mourners. I came back next day with my wife (age 29) to London.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Feb 1665. I was invited to a great feast at Mr. Rich's (a relation of my wife's (age 30), now reader at Lincoln's Inn); where was the Duke of Monmouth (age 15), the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 66), Bishops of London (age 33) and Winchester (age 66), the Speaker of the House of Commons (age 48), divers of the Judges, and several other great men.

Evelyn's Diary. 05 Aug 1665. On a white marble, covering a tomb shaped like a coffin, raised about three feet above the floor, is inscribed:

Here lies the Body. of John Evelyn (age 44), Esq,. of this place, second son of Richard Evelyn, Esq; who having serv'd the Publick in several employments, of which that of Commissioner of the Privy-Seal in the Reign of King James the 2d was most honourable, and perpetuated his fame by far more lasting monuments than those of Stone or Brass, his learned and usefull Works, fell asleep the 27 day of February 1705-6, being the 86 year of his age, in full hope of a glorious Resurrection, thro' Faith in Jesus Christ Living in an age of extraordinary Events and Revolutions, he learnt (as himself asserted) this Truth, which pursuant to his intention is here declared - That all is vanity which is not honest, and that there is no solid wisdom but in real Piety. Of five Sons and three Daughters born to him from his most vertuous and excellent Wife (age 30), Mary, sole daughter and heiress Sir Rich. Browne of Sayes Court near Deptford, Kent [Map] in Kent, onely one daughter, Susanna, married to William Draper Esq, of Adscomb in this County, survived him; the two others dying in the flower of their age, and all the Sons very young, except one named John, who deceased 24 March 1698-9, in the 45 year of his age, leaving one son, John, and one daughter, Elizabeth.

Evelyn's Diary. 05 Aug 1665. In the other, he says, "I pronounce it to you from my heart as oft as I consider it, that I look on your fruitions with inexpressible emulation, and should think myself more happy than crowned heads, were I, as you, the arbiter of mine own life, and could break from those gilded toys to taste your well-described joys with such a wife (age 30) and such a friend, whose conversation exceeds all that the mistaken world calls happiness". But, in truth, Mr. Evelyn's (age 44) mind was too active to admit of solitude at all times, however desirable it might appear to him in theory.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 Jan 1666. After much, and indeed extraordinary mirth and cheer, all my brothers, our wives, and children, being together, and after much sorrow and trouble during this contagion, which separated our families as well as others, I returned to my house, but my wife (age 31) went back to Wotton [Map]. I, not as yet willing to adventure her, the contagion, though exceedingly abated, not as yet wholly extinguished among us.

Evelyn's Diary. 25 Apr 1667. Visited again the Duke of Newcastle (age 74), with whom I had been acquainted long before in France, where the Duchess (age 44) had obligation to my wife's (age 32) [her mother] mother for her marriage there; she was sister to Lord Lucas (age 60), and maid of honor then to the Queen-Mother (age 57); married in our chapel at Paris. My wife (age 32) being with me, the Duke (age 74) and Duchess (age 44) both would needs bring her to the very Court.

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Apr 1667. I had a great deal of discourse with his Majesty (age 36) at dinner. In the afternoon, I went again with my wife (age 32) to the Duchess of Newcastle (age 44), who received her in a kind of transport, suitable to her extravagant humor and dress, which was very singular.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Aug 1667. To the funeral of Mr. Farringdon, a relation of my wife's (age 32).

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Sep 1668. I entertained Signor Muccinigo, the Venetian Ambassador, of one of the noblest families of the State, this being the day of making his public entry, setting forth from my house [Map] with several gentlemen of Venice and others in a very glorious train. He staid with me till the Earl of Anglesea (age 54) and Sir Charles Cotterell (age 53) (Master of the Ceremonies) came with the King's (age 38) barge to carry him to the Tower [Map], where the guns were fired at his landing; he then entered his Majesty's (age 38) coach, followed by many others of the nobility. I accompanied him to his house, where there was a most noble supper to all the company, of course. After the extraordinary compliments to me and my wife (age 33), for the civilities he received at my house, I took leave and returned. He is a very accomplished person. He is since Ambassador at Rome.

Evelyn's Diary. 30 Jun 1669. my wife (age 34) went a journey of pleasure down the river as far as the sea, with Mrs. Howard (age 43) and her daughter (age 18), the Maid of Honor, and others, among whom that excellent creature, Mrs. Blagg (age 16).

Evelyn's Diary. 25 May 1671. I dined at a feast made for me and my wife (age 36) by the Trinity House, for our passing a fine of the land which [her father] Sir R. Browne (age 66), my wife's (age 36) father, freely gave to found and build their college, or almshouses on, at Deptford, Kent [Map], it being my wife's (age 36) after her father's decease. It was a good and charitable work and gift, but would have been better bestowed on the poor of that parish, than on the seamen's widows, the Trinity House being very rich, and the rest of the poor of the parish exceedingly indigent.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Jul 1674. I went to Windsor [Map] with my wife (age 39) and [her son] son (age 19) to see my daughter [her daughter] Mary (age 9), who was there with my Lady Tuke and to do my duty to his Majesty (age 44). Next day, to a great entertainment at Sir Robert Holmes's (age 52) at Cranbourne Lodge, Windsor, in the Forest; there were his Majesty (age 44), the Queen (age 35), Duke (age 40), Duchess (age 15), and all the Court. I returned in the evening with Sir Joseph Williamson (age 40), now declared Secretary of State. He was son of a poor clergyman somewhere in Cumberland, brought up at Queen's College, Oxford, of which he came to be a fellow; then traveled with ... and returning when the King (age 44) was restored, was received as a clerk under Mr. Secretary Nicholas. Sir Henry Bennett (age 56) (now Lord Arlington) succeeding, Williamson is transferred to him, who loving his ease more than business (though sufficiently able had he applied himself to it) remitted all to his man Williamson; and, in a short time, let him so into the secret of affairs, that (as his Lordship himself told me) there was a kind of necessity to advance him; and so, by his subtlety, dexterity, and insinuation, he got now to be principal Secretary; absolutely Lord Arlington's creature, and ungrateful enough. It has been the fate of this obliging favorite to advance those who soon forgot their original. Sir Joseph was a musician, could play at Jeu de Goblets, exceedingly formal, a severe master to his servants, but so inward with my Lord O'Brien (age 32), that after a few months of that gentleman's death, he married his widow (age 34), who, being sister and heir of the Duke of Richmond, brought him a noble fortune. It was thought they lived not so kindly after marriage as they did before. She was much censured for marrying so meanly, being herself allied to the Royal family.

Evelyn's Diary. 28 Apr 1676. My wife (age 41) entertained her Majesty (age 45) at Deptford [Map], for which the Queen (age 37) gave me thanks in the withdrawing room at Whitehall [Map].

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Oct 1676. I went with Mrs. Godolphin (age 24) and my wife (age 41) to Blackwall [Map], to see some Indian curiosities; the streets being slippery, I fell against a piece of timber with such violence that I could not speak nor fetch my breath for some space; being carried into a house and let blood, I was removed to the water-side and so home, where, after a day's rest, I recovered. This being one of my greatest deliverances, the Lord Jesus make me ever mindful and thankful!

Evelyn's Diary. 11 Nov 1677. I was all this week composing matters between old Mrs. Howard (age 51) and Sir Gabriel Sylvius, upon his long and earnest addresses to Mrs. Anne (age 24), her second daughter, maid of honor to the Queen (age 38). My friend, Mrs. Godolphin (age 25) (who exceedingly loved the young lady) was most industrious in it, out of pity to the languishing knight; so as though there were great differences in their years, it was at last effected, and they were married the 13th, in Henry VII.'s Chapel [Map], by the Bishop of Rochester (age 52), there being besides my wife (age 42) and Mrs. Graham (age 26), her sister, Mrs. Godolphin (age 25), and very few more. We dined at the old lady's (age 51), and supped at Mr. Graham's (age 28) at St. James's.

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Sep 1678. While I was at church came a letter from Mr. Godolphin (age 33), that my dear friend his lady (age 26) was exceedingly ill, and desiring my prayers and assistance. My wife (age 43) and I took boat immediately, and went to Whitehall [Map], where, to my inexpressible sorrow, I found she had been attacked with a new fever, then reigning this excessive hot autumn, and which was so violent, that it was not thought she could last many hours.

Evelyn's Diary. 20 Nov 1679. I dined with Mr. Slingsby (age 58), Master of the Mint, with my wife (age 44), invited to hear music, which was exquisitely performed by four of the most renowned masters: Du Prue, a Frenchman, on the lute; Signor Bartholomeo, an Italian, on the harpsichord; Nicholao on the violin; but, above all, for its sweetness and novelty, the viol d'amore of five wire strings played on with a bow, being but an ordinary violin, played on lyre-way, by a German. There was also a flute douce, now in much request for accompanying the voice. Mr. Slingsby (age 58), whose son and daughter played skillfully, had these meetings frequently in his house.

Evelyn's Diary. 19 Feb 1680. The writings for the settling jointure and other contracts of marriage of my son (age 59) were finished and sealed. The [her future daughter-in-law] lady (age 21) was to bring £5,000, in consideration of a settlement of £500 a year present maintenance, which was likewise to be her jointure, and £500 a year after mine and my wife's (age 45) decease. But, with God's blessing, it will be at the least £1,000 a year more in a few years. I pray God make him worthy of it, and a comfort to his excellent mother (age 45), who deserves much from him!

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Jul 1680. Went with my wife (age 45) and daughter to Windsor [Map], to see that stately court, now near finished. There was erected in the court the King (age 50) on horseback, lately cast in copper, and set on a rich pedestal of white marble, the work of Mr. Gibbons (age 32), at the expense of Toby Rustate, a page of the back stairs, who by his wonderful frugality had arrived to a great estate in money, and did many works of charity, as well as this of gratitude to his master, which cost him £1,000. He is very simple, ignorant, but honest and loyal creature.

Evelyn's Diary. 25 May 1681. There came to visit me Sir William Walter and Sir John Elowes: and the next day, the Earl of Kildare, a young gentleman related to my wife (age 46), and other company. There had scarce fallen any rain since Christmas.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 Apr 1682. I went this afternoon with several of the Royal Society to a supper which was all dressed, both fish and flesh, in Monsieur Papin's (age 34) digestors, by which the hardest bones of beef itself, and Mutton, were made as soft as cheese, without water or other liquor, and with less than eight ounces of coals, producing an incredible quantity of gravy; and for close of all, a jelly made of the bones of beef, the best for clearness and good relish, and the most delicious that I had ever seen, or tasted. We ate pike and other fish, bones and all, without impediment; but nothing exceeded the pigeons, which tasted just as if baked in a pie, all these being stewed in their own juice, without any addition of water save what swam about the digestor, as in balneo; the natural juice of all these provisions acting on the grosser substances, reduced the hardest bones to tenderness; but it is best descanted with more particulars for extracting tinctures, preserving and stewing fruit, and saving fuel, in Dr. Papin's (age 34) book, published and dedicated to our Society of which he is a member. He is since gone to Venice with the late Resident here (and also a member of our Society), who carried this excellent mechanic, philosopher, and physician, to set up a philosophical meeting in that city. This philosophical supper caused much mirth among us, and exceedingly pleased all the company. I sent a glass of the jelly to my wife (age 47), to the reproach of all that the ladies ever made of their best hartshorn.

Evelyn's Diary. 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!".

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Jul 1692. I went with my wife (age 57), [her son] son (age 37), and [her daughter] daughter (age 23), to Eton [Map], to see my grandson (age 10), and thence to my Lord Godolphin's (age 47), at Cranburn, where we lay, and were most honorably entertained. The next day to St. George's Chapel [Map], and returned to London late in the evening.

Evelyn's Diary. 04 May 1694. I went this day with my wife (age 59) and four servants from Sayes Court [Map], removing much furniture of all sorts, books, pictures, hangings, bedding, etc., to furnish the apartment my [her brother-in-law] brother (age 76) assigned me, and now, after more than forty years, to spend the rest of my days with him at Wotton, Surrey [Map], where I was born; leaving my house at Deptford, Kent [Map] full furnished, and three servants, to my son-in-law [her son-in-law] Draper, to pass the summer in, and such longer time as he should think fit to make use of it.

Evelyn's Diary. 31 Oct 1702. Arrived now to the 82d year of my age, having read over all that passed since this day twelvemonth in these notes, I render solemn thanks to the Lord, imploring the pardon of my past sins, and the assistance of his grace; making new resolutions, and imploring that he will continue his assistance, and prepare me for my blessed Savior's coming, that I may obtain a comfortable departure, after so long a term as has been hitherto indulged me. I find by many infirmities this year (especially nephritic pains) that I much decline; and yet of his infinite mercy retain my intellect and senses in great measure above most of my age. I have this year repaired much of the mansion house and several tenants' houses, and paid some of my debts and engagements. my wife (age 67), children, and family in health: for all which I most sincerely beseech Almighty God to accept of these my acknowledgments, and that if it be his holy will to continue me yet longer, it may be to the praise of his infinite grace, and salvation of my soul. Amen!