Around 1680 Godfrey Kneller (age 33). Portrait of Richard Onslow 1st Baron Onslow (age 25).

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Apr 1685. Being now somewhat compos'd after my greate affliction, I went to London to hear Dr. Tenison (age 48) (it being on a Wednesday in Lent) at Whitehall [Map]. I observ'd that tho' the King (age 51) was not in his seate above in the chapell, the Doctor made his three congees, which they were not us'd to do when the late King was absent, making then one bowing onely. I ask'd the reason; it was sayd he had a special order so to do. The Princesse of Denmark (age 34) was in the King's Closet, but sat on the left hand of the chaire, the Clearke of the Closet (age 50) standing by His Ma's chaire, as if he had ben present. I met the Queene Dowager (age 46) going now first from Whitehall to dwell at Somerset-house [Map]. This day my brother of Wotton and Mr. Onslow (age 30) were candidates for Surrey against Sr Adam Brown and my cousin Sr Edwd Evelyn, and were circumvented in their election by a trick of the Sheriff's taking advantage of my brother's party going out of the small village of Leatherhead [Map] to seek shelter and lodging, the afternoone being tempestuous, proceeding to the Election when they were gon; they expecting the next morning; whereas before and then they exceeded the other party by many hundreds, as I am assur'd. The Duke of Norfolk (age 30) led Sr Edw. Evelyn's and Sr Adam Brown's party. For this Parliament, very meane and slight persons (some of them gentlemen's servants, clearkes, and persons neither of reputation nor interest) were set up, but the country would choose my brother whether he would or no, and he miss'd it by the trick above mentioned. Sr Adam Brown was so deafe that he could not heare one word. S1 Edw. Evelyn was an honest gent much in favour with his Majesty.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Jun 1691. I went with my son (age 36), and brother-in-law, Glanville (age 72), and his son, to Wotton, to solemnize the funeral of my nephew, which was performed the next day very decently and orderly by the herald in the afternoon, a very great appearance of the country being there. I was the chief mourner; the pall was held by Sir Francis Vincent (age 45), Sir Richard Onslow (age 36), Mr. Thomas Howard (son to Sir Robert, and Captain of the King's Guard), Mr. Hyldiard, Mr. James, Mr. Herbert, nephew to Lord Herbert of Cherbury, and cousin-german to my deceased nephew. He was laid in the vault at Wotton Church, in the burying place of the family. A great concourse of coaches and people accompanied the solemnity.

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Dec 1697. I went to Kensington with the Sheriff, Knights, and chief gentlemen of Surrey, to present their address to the King (age 47). The Duke of Norfolk (age 42) promised to introduce it, but came so late, that it was presented before be came. This insignificant ceremony was brought in in Cromwell's time, and has ever since continued with offers of life and fortune to whoever happened to have the power. I dined at Sir Richard Onslow's (age 43), who treated almost all the gentlemen of Surrey. When we had half dined, the Duke of Norfolk (age 42) came in to make his excuse.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Jan 1699. The House of Commons persist in refusing more than 7,000 men to be a standing army, and no strangers to be in the number. This displeased the Court party. Our county member, Sir R. Onslow (age 44), opposed it also; which might reconcile him to the people, who began to suspect him.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 May 1699. At a meeting of the Royal Society I was nominated to be of the committee to wait on the Lord Chancellor (age 44) to move the King (age 48) to purchase the Bishop of Worcester's library (Dr. Edward Stillingfleet).

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Oct 1699. After an unusual warm and pleasant season, we were surprised with a very sharp frost. I presented my "Acetaria", dedicated to my Lord Chancellor (age 45), who returned me thanks in an extraordinarily civil letter.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Feb 1701. The old Speaker (age 53) laid aside, and Mr. Harley (age 39), an able gentleman, chosen. Our countryman, Sir Richard Onslow (age 46), had a party for him.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Dec 1701. Great contentions about elections. I gave my vote and interest to Sir R. Onslow (age 47) and Mr. Weston.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Jan 1703. Sir Richard Onslow (age 48) and Mr. Oglethorpe (son of the late Sir Theo. O.) fought on occasion of some words which passed at a committee of the House. Mr. Oglethorpe was disarmed. The Bill against occasional conformity was lost by one vote. Corn and provisions so cheap that the farmers are unable to pay their rents.