In 1665 William Godolphin 1st Baronet (age 25) was elected MP Helston.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Sep 1678. I went to London, to dine with Mrs. Godolphin (age 26), and found her in labor; she was brought to bed of a son, who was baptized in the chamber, by the name of Francis, the susceptors being Sir William Godolphin (age 38) (head of the family), Mr. John Hervey (age 62), Treasurer to the Queen, and [his sister] Mrs. Boscawen (age 35), sister to Sir William (age 38) and the [his brother] father (age 33).

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Sep 1678. She was, accordingly, carried to Godolphin, in Cornwall, in a hearse with six horses, attended by two coaches of as many, with about thirty of her relations and servants. There accompanied the hearse her husband's brother, Sir William (age 38), two more of his brothers, and three sisters; her [his brother] husband (age 33) was so overcome with grief, that he was wholly unfit to travel so long a journey, till he was more composed. I went as far as Hounslow with a sad heart; but was obliged to return upon some indispensable affairs. The corpse was ordered to be taken out of the hearse every night, and decently placed in the house, with tapers about it, and her servants attending, to Cornwall; and then was honorably interred in the parish church of Godolphin. This funeral cost not much less than £1,000.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Jul 1679. I dined at Sir William Godolphin's (age 39), and with that learned gentleman went to take the air in Hyde Park [Map], where was a glorious cortège.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Oct 1684. I went with Sr William Godolphin (age 44) to see the Rhinoceros, or Unicorn, being the first that I suppose was ever brought into England. She belong'd to some East India merchants, and was sold (as I remember) for above £2000.

Evelyn's Diary. 04 Jun 1685. Came to visite and take leave of me Sr Gab. Sylvius, now going Envoy extraordinary into Denmark, with his Secretary and Chaplaine, a Frenchman, who related the miserable persecution of the Protestants in France; not above 10 Churches left them, and those also threaten'd to be demolish'd; they were commanded to christen their children within 24 houres after birth, or else a Popish Priest was to be call'd, and then yc infant brought up in Popery. In some places they were 30 leagues from any minister or opportunity of worship. "This persecution had displeas'd the most industrious part of ye nation, and dispers'd those into Swisse, Burgundy, Holland, Germany, Denmark, England, and the Plantations". There were with Sr Gabriel, his lady, Sr Wm Godolphin (age 45) and sisters, and my [his brother] Lord Godolphin's (age 39) little son, my charge. I brought them to the water side where Sir Gabriel embark'd, and the rest return'd to London.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Jul 1688. I went with [his brother] Dr. Godolphin (age 39) and his brother Sir William (age 48) to St. Alban's [Map], to see a library he would have bought of the widow of Dr. Cartwright [NOTE. Assume Cartwright a typo for Carter], late Archdeacon of St. Alban's, a very good collection of books, especially in divinity; he was to give £300 for them. Having seen the GREAT CHURCH [Map], now newly repaired by a public contribution, we returned home.

Evelyn's Diary. 11 Jun 1693. I dined at Sir William Godolphin's (age 53); and, after evening prayer, visited the Duchess of Grafton (age 25).