Europe, British Isles, South-East England, Surrey, Wotton [Map]
Wotton, Surrey is in Surrey.
Evelyn's Diary. I was born at Wotton, Surrey [Map], in the County of Surrey, about twenty minutes past two in the morning, being on Tuesday the 31st and last of October, 1620, after my father (age 33) had been married about seven years, and that my mother (age 21) had borne him three children; viz, two daughters and one son, about the 33d year of his age, and the 23d of my mother's.
Evelyn's Diary. 1624. I was not initiated into any rudiments until near four years of age, and then one Frier taught us at the church-porch of Wotton, Surrey [Map]; and I do perfectly remember the great talk and stir about Il Conde Gondomar (age 96), now Ambassador from Spain (for near about this time was the match of our Prince (age 23) with the Infanta (age 17) proposed); and the effects of that comet, 1618, still working in the prodigious revolutions now beginning in Europe, especially in Germany, whose sad commotions sprang from the Bohemians' defection from the Emperor Matthias; upon which quarrel the Swedes broke in, giving umbrage to the rest of the princes, and the whole Christian world cause to deplore it, as never since enjoying perfect tranquillity.
Evelyn's Diary. 1632. My eldest sister (age 17) was married to Edward Darcy, Esq, who little deserved so excellent a person, a woman of so rare virtue. I was not present at the nuptials; but I was soon afterward sent for into Surrey, and my father (age 45) would willingly have weaned me from my fondness of my too indulgent grandmother, intending to have placed me at Eton College [Map]; but, not being so provident for my own benefit, and unreasonably terrified with the report of the severe discipline there, I was sent back to Lewes [Map]; which perverseness of mine I have since a thousand times deplored. This was the first time that ever my parents had seen all their children together in prosperity. While I was now trifling at home, I saw London, where I lay one night only. The next day, I dined at Beddington, Surrey, where I was much delighted with the gardens and curiosities. Thence, we returned to the Baroness Darcy's, at Sutton; thence to Wotton, Surrey [Map]; and, on the 16th of August following, 1633, back to Lewes [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 1635. But my dear mother (age 36) being now dangerously sick, I was, on the 3d of September following, sent for to Wotton, Surrey [Map]. Whom I found so far spent, that, all human assistance failing, she in a most heavenly manner departed this life upon the 29th of the same month, about eight in the evening of Michaelmas-day. It was a malignant fever which took her away, about the 37th of her age, and 22d of her marriage, to our irreparable loss and the regret of all that knew her. Certain it is, that the visible cause of her indisposition proceeded from grief upon the loss of her daughter, and the infant that followed it; and it is as certain, that when she perceived the peril whereto its excess had engaged her, she strove to compose herself and allay it; but it was too late, and she was forced to succumb. Therefore summoning all her children then living (I shall never forget it), she expressed herself in a manner so heavenly, with instructions so pious and Christian, as made us strangely sensible of the extraordinary loss then imminent; after which, embracing every one of us she gave to each a ring with her blessing and dismissed us. Then, taking my father (age 48) by the hand, she recommended us to his care; and, because she was extremely zealous for the education of my younger brother (age 12), she requested my father that he might be sent with me to Lewes [Map]; and so having importuned him that what he designed to bestow on her funeral, he would rather dispose among the poor, she labored to compose herself for the blessed change which she now expected. There was not a servant in the house whom she did not expressly send for, advise, and infinitely affect with her counsel. Thus she continued to employ her intervals, either instructing her relations, or preparing of herself.
Evelyn's Diary. 18 Jul 1637. I accompanied my eldest brother (age 20), who then quitted Oxford, into the country; and, on the 9th of August, went to visit my friends at Lewes [Map], whence I returned the 12th to Wotton, Surrey [Map]. On the 17th of September, I received the blessed Sacrament at Wotton church, and 23d of October went back to Oxford.
Evelyn's Diary. 11 Apr 1640. I went to London to see the solemnity of his Majesty's (age 39) riding through the city in state to the Short Parliament, which began the 13th following,-a very glorious and magnificent sight, the King circled with his royal diadem and the affections of his people: but the day after I returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map] again, where I stayed, my father's (age 53) indisposition suffering great intervals, till April 27th, when I was sent to London to be first resident at the Middle Temple: so as my being at the University, in regard of these avocations, was of very small benefit to me. Upon May the 5th following, was the Parliament unhappily dissolved; and, on the 20th I returned with my brother George to Wotton, Surrey [Map], who, on the 28th of the same month, was married at Albury to Mrs. Caldwell (an heiress of an ancient Leicestershire family, where part of the nuptials were celebrated).
Evelyn's Diary. 10 Jun 1640. London, and especially the Court, were at this period in frequent disorders, and great insolences were committed by the abused and too happy City: in particular, the Bishop of Canterbury's (age 66) Palace [Map] at Lambeth was assaulted by a rude rabble from Southwark, Surrey [Map], my Lord Chamberlain (age 55) imprisoned and many scandalous libels and invectives scattered about the streets, to the reproach of Government, and the fermentation of our since distractions: so that, upon the 25th of June, I was sent for to Wotton, Surrey [Map], and the 27th after, my father's (age 53) indisposition augmenting, by advice of the physicians he repaired to the Bath, Somerset [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 30 Dec 1640. But my father (deceased) being by this time entered into a dropsy, an indisposition the most unsuspected, being a person so exemplarily temperate, and of admirable regimen, hastened me back to Wotton, Surrey [Map], December the 12th; where, the 24th following, between twelve and one o'clock at noon, departed this life that excellent man and indulgent parent, retaining his senses and piety to the last, which he most tenderly expressed in blessing us, whom he now left to the world and the worst of times, while he was taken from the evil to come.
Evelyn's Diary. 16 Oct 1641. I went to see my brother at Wotton, Surrey [Map]. On the 31st of that month (unfortunate for the Irish Rebellion, which broke out on the 23d), I was one and twenty years of age.
Evelyn's Diary. 15 Dec 1641. I was elected one of the Comptrollers of the Middle Temple revellers, as the fashion of the young students and gentlemen was, the Christmas being kept this year with great solemnity; but, being desirous to pass it in the country, I got leave to resign my staff of office, and went with my brother Richard to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 07 Dec 1642. I went from Wotton, Surrey [Map] to London, to see the so much celebrated line of communication, and on the 10th returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map], nobody knowing of my having been in his Majesty's army.
Evelyn's Diary. 02 May 1643. I went from Wotton, Surrey [Map] to London, where I saw the furious and zealous people demolish that stately Cross in Cheapside [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 04 May 1643. On the 4th I returned, with no little regret, for the confusion that threatened us. Resolving to possess myself in some quiet, if it might be, in a time of so great jealousy, I built by my brother's permission, a study, made a fish-pond, an island, and some other solitudes and retirements at Wotton, Surrey [Map]; which gave the first occasion of improving them to those waterworks and gardens which afterward succeeded them, and became at that time the most famous of England.
Evelyn's Diary. 23 Jul 1643. The Covenant being pressed, I absented myself; but, finding it impossible to evade the doing very unhandsome things, and which had been a great cause of my perpetual motions hitherto between Wotton, Surrey [Map] and London, October the 2d, I obtained a license of his Majesty (age 42), dated at Oxford and signed by the King, to travel again.
Evelyn's Diary. 06 Nov 1643. Lying by the way from Wotton, Surrey [Map] at Sir Ralph Whitfield's, at Blechingley [Map] (whither both my brothers had conducted me), I arrived at London on the 7th, and two days after took boat at the Tower-wharf, which carried me as far as Sittingbourne, Kent [Map], though not without danger, I being only in a pair of oars, exposed to a hideous storm: but it pleased God that we got in before the peril was considerable. From thence, I went by post to Dover, Kent [Map], accompanied with one Mr. Thicknesse, a very dear friend of mine.
Evelyn's Diary. 05 Oct 1647. I came to Wotton, Surrey [Map], the place of my birth, to my brother (age 30), and on the 10th to Hampton Court [Map] where I had the honor to kiss his Majesty's (age 46) hand, and give him an account of several things I had in charge, he being now in the power of those execrable villains who not long after murdered him. I lay at my cousin, Sergeant Hatton's at Thames Ditton, Surrey [Map], whence, on the 13th, I went to London.
Evelyn's Diary. 14 Jan 1648. From London I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map] to see my young nephew; and thence to Baynards [in Ewhurst], to visit my brother Richard (age 25).
Evelyn's Diary. 28 Sep 1648. I went to Albury, to visit the Countess of Arundel (age 38), and returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 26 Feb 1649. Came to see me Captain George Evelyn, my kinsman, the great traveler, and one who believed himself a better architect than really he was; witness the portico in the Garden at Wotton, Surrey [Map]; yet the great room at Albury is somewhat better understood. He had a large mind, but over-built everything.
Evelyn's Diary. 02 Jul 1649. I went from Wotton, Surrey [Map] to Godstone, Surrey (the residence of Sir John Evelyn (age 58)), where was also Sir John Evelyn of Wilts. (age 47), when I took leave of both Sir Johns and their ladies. Mem. the prodigious memory of Sir John of Wilts' daughter, since married to Mr. W. Pierrepont [Note. Mr R Pierrepoint], and mother of the present Earl of Kingston. I returned to Sayes Court, Deptford [Map] this night.
Evelyn's Diary. 25 Jul 1650. I went by Epsom to Wotton, Surrey [Map], saluting Sir Robert Cook and my sister Glanville; the country was now much molested by soldiers, who took away gentlemen's horses for the service of the state, as then called.
Evelyn's Diary. 01 Jan 1651. I wrote to my brother (age 33) at Wotton, Surrey [Map], about his garden and fountains. After evening prayer, Mr. Wainsford called on me: he had long been Consul at Aleppo, and told me many strange things of those countries, the Arabs especially.
Evelyn's Diary. 10 Oct 1654. To my brother (age 37) at Wotton, Surrey [Map], who had been sick.
Evelyn's Diary. 21 Aug 1655. I went to Ryegate [Map], to visit Mrs. Cary, at my Lady Peterborough's (age 33), in an ancient monastery well in repair, but the park much defaced; the house is nobly furnished. The chimney-piece in the great chamber, carved in wood, was of Henry VIII., and was taken from a house of his in Bletchingley. At Ryegate, was now the Archbishop of Armagh, the learned James Usher (age 74), whom I went to visit. He received me exceeding kindly. In discourse with him, he told me how great the loss of time was to study much the Eastern languages; that, excepting Hebrew, there was little fruit to be gathered of exceeding labor; that, besides some mathematical books, the Arabic itself had little considerable; that the best text was the Hebrew Bible; that the Septuagint was finished in seventy days, but full of errors, about which he was then writing; that St. Hierome's was to be valued next the Hebrew; also that the seventy translated the Pentateuch only, the rest was finished by others; that the Italians at present understood but little Greek, and Kircher was a mountebank; that Mr. Selden's best book was his "Titles of Honor"; that the church would be destroyed by sectaries, who would in all likelihood bring in Popery. In conclusion he recommended to me the study of philology, above all human studies; and so, with his blessing, I took my leave of this excellent person, and returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 28 Aug 1655. Came that renowned mathematician, Mr. Oughtred (age 81), to see me, I sending my coach to bring him to Wotton, Surrey [Map], being now very aged. Among other discourse, he told me he thought water to be the philosopher's first matter, and that he was well persuaded of the possibility of their elixir; he believed the sun to be a material fire, the moon a continent, as appears by the late selenographers; he had strong apprehensions of some extraordinary event to happen the following year, from the calculation of coincidence with the diluvian period; and added that it might possibly be to convert the Jews by our Savior's visible appearance, or to judge the world; and therefore, his word was, "Parate in occursum"; he said original sin was not met with in the Greek Fathers, yet he believed the thing; this was from some discourse on Dr. Taylor's (age 42) late book, which I had lent him.
Evelyn's Diary. 05 Aug 1658. We went to Squirries to visit my Cousin Leech, daughter to Sir John; a pretty, finely wooded, well watered seat, the stables good, the house old, but convenient. 6th. Returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 11 Feb 1660. During this sickness came divers of my relations and friends to visit me, and it retarded my going into the country longer than I intended; however, I wrote and printed a letter in defense of his Majesty (age 29), against a wicked forged paper, pretended to be sent from Brussels to defame his Majesty's person and virtues and render him odious, now when everybody was in hope and expectation of the General (age 51) and Parliament recalling him, and establishing the Government on its ancient and right basis. The doing this toward the decline of my sickness, and sitting up long in my bed, had caused a small relapse, out of which it yet pleased God also to free me, so as by the 14th I was able to go into the country, which I did to my sweet and native air at Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 09 Aug 1664. Went with my brother Richard (age 41) to Wotton, Surrey [Map], to visit and comfort my disconsolate brother (age 47); and on the 13th saw my friend, Mr. Charles Howard, at Dipden, near Dorking.
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. 04 Aug 1665. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map] with my Son and his tutor, Mr. Bohun, Fellow of New College (recommended to me by Dr. Wilkins (age 51), and the President of New College, Oxford), for fear of the pestilence, still increasing in London and its environs. On my return, I called at Durdans, where I found Dr. Wilkins, Sir William Petty (age 42), and Mr. Hooke (age 30), contriving chariots, new rigging for ships, a wheel for one to run races in, and other mechanical inventions; perhaps three such persons together were not to be found elsewhere in Europe, for parts and ingenuity.
Evelyn's Diary. 05 Aug 1665. The manufacture of gunpowder was carried on at Godstone, Surrey as well as at Long Ditton, Surrey; but it does not appear that there ever was any mill at Wotton, Surrey [Map], or that the purchase of that place was made with such a view.
Evelyn's Diary. 28 Aug 1665. The contagion still increasing, and growing now all about us, I sent my wife (age 30) and whole family (two or three necessary servants excepted) to my brother's at Wotton, Surrey [Map], being resolved to stay at my house myself, and to look after my charge, trusting in the providence and goodness of God.
Evelyn's Diary. 14 Sep 1665. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map]; and on 16th September, to visit old Secretary Nicholas (age 72), being now at his new purchase of West Horsley, once mortgaged to me by Lord Viscount Montague (age 55): a pretty dry seat on the Down. Returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 01 Oct 1665. This afternoon, while at evening prayers, tidings were brought me of the birth of a daughter at Wotton, Surrey [Map], after six sons, in the same chamber I had first taken breath in, and at the first day of that month, as I was on the last, forty-five years before.
Evelyn's Diary. 25 Dec 1665. Kept Christmas with my hospitable brother (age 48), at Wotton, Surrey [Map].
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. 16 Jul 1677. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map]. 22d. Mr. Evans, curate of Abinger, preached an excellent sermon on Matt. v. 12. In the afternoon, Mr. Higham at Wotton catechised.
Evelyn's Diary. 23 Aug 1681. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map], and, on the following day, was invited to Mr. Denzil Onslow's (age 39) at his seat at Purford, where was much company, and such an extraordinary feast, as I had hardly seen at any country gentleman's table. What made it more remarkable was, that there was not anything save what his estate about it did afford; as venison, rabbits, hares, pheasants, partridges, pigeons, quails, poultry, all sorts of fowl in season from his own decoy near his house, and all sorts of fresh fish. After dinner we went to see sport at the decoy, where I never saw so many herons.
Evelyn's Diary. 30 Aug 1681. From Wotton, Surrey [Map] I went to see Mr. Hussey (at Sutton in Shere), who has a very pretty seat well watered, near my brother's. He is the neatest husband for curious ordering his domestic and field accommodations, and what pertains to husbandry, that I have ever seen, as to his granaries, tacklings, tools, and utensils, plows, carts, stables, wood piles, wood houses, even to hen roosts and hog troughs. Methought, I saw old Cato, or Varro, in him; all substantial, all in exact order. The sole inconvenience he lies under, is the great quantity of sand which the stream brings along with it, and fills his canals and receptacles for fish too soon. The rest of my time of stay at Wotton was spent in walking about the grounds and goodly woods, where I have in my youth so often entertained my solitude; and so, on the 2d of September, I once more returned to my home.
Evelyn's Diary. 07 Mar 1685. Much I could enlarge on every peribd of this hasty account, but that I ease and discharge my overcoming passion for the present, so many things worthy an excellent Christian and dutifull child crowding upon me. Never can I say enough, oh deare, my deare child, whose memory is so precious to me! This deare child was born at Wotton [Map] in the same house and chamber in which I first drew my breath, my wife (age 50) having retir'd to my brother there in the great sicknesse that yeare upon the first of that moneth, and neere the ve'ry houre that I was borne, upon the last: viz. October. 16 March. She was interr'd in the South-east end of the Church at Deptford, neere her grandmother and severall of my younger children and relations. My desire was she should have ben carried and layed among my own parents and relations at Wotton, where I desire to be interr'd myselfe, when God shall call me out of this uncertaine transitory life, but some circumstances did not permit it. Our vicar Dr. Holden preach'd her funeral sermon on 1 Phil. 21. "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gaine", upon which he made an apposite discourse, as those who heard it assur'd me (for griefe suffer'd me not to be present), concluding with a modest recital of her many virtues and signal piety, so as to draw both teares and admiration from the hearers. I was not altogether unwilling that something of this sort should be spoken, for the edification and encouragement of other young people. Divers noble persons honour'd her funeral, some in person, others sending their coaches, of wch there were six or seven with six horses, viz. the Countesse of Sunderland (age 39), Earle of Clarendon, Lord Godolphin (age 39), Sr Stephen Fox (age 57), Sr Wm Godolphin, Viscount Falkland, and others. There were distributed amongst her friends about 60 rings. Thus liv'd, died, and was buried the joy of my life, and ornament of her sex and of my poore family ! God Almighty of his infinite mercy grant me the grace thankfully to resigne myselfe and all I have, or had, to his Divine pleasure, and in his good time, restoring health and comfort to my family: "teach me so to number my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom", be prepar'd for my dissolution, and that into the hands of my blessed Saviour I may recommend my spirit ! Amen !
Evelyn's Diary. 28 Jul 1691. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
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 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 Draper, to pass the summer in, and such longer time as he should think fit to make use of it.
Evelyn's Diary. 05 May 1695. I came to Deptford, Kent [Map] from Wotton, Surrey [Map], in order to the first meeting of the Commissioners for endowing an hospital [Map] for seamen at Greenwich; it was at the Guildhall [Map], London. Present, the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 58), Lord Keeper, Lord Privy Seal, Lord Godolphin (age 49), Duke of Shrewsbury (age 34), Duke of Leeds (age 63), Earls of Dorset (age 52) and Monmouth (age 37), Commissioners of the Admiralty and Navy, Sir Robert Clayton, Sir Christopher Wren (age 71), and several more. The Commission was read by Mr. Lowndes, Secretary to the Lords of the Treasury, Surveyor-General.
Evelyn's Diary. 06 Sep 1696. I went to congratulate the marriage of a daughter of Mr. Boscawen to the son (age 24) of Sir Philip Meadows; she is niece to my Lord Godolphin (age 51), married at Lambeth [Map] by the Archbishop (age 59), 30th of August. After above six months' stay in London about Greenwich Hospital, I returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 17 Aug 1697. I came to Wotton, Surrey [Map] after three months' absence.
Evelyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1697. I returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 04 Sep 1699. My worthy brother (age 82) died at Wotton, Surrey [Map], in the 83d year of his age, of perfect memory and understanding. He was religious, sober, and temperate, and of so hospitable a nature, that no family in the county maintained that ancient custom of keeping, as it were, open house the whole year in the same manner, or gave more noble or free entertainment to the county on all occasions, so that his house was never free. There were sometimes twenty persons more than his family, and some that stayed there all the summer, to his no small expense; by this he gained the universal love of the county. He was born at Wotton, Surrey [Map], went from the free school at Guildford, Surrey [Map] to Trinity College, Oxford University, Oxford, thence to the Middle Temple, as gentlemen of the best quality did, but without intention to study the law as a profession. He married the daughter of Colwall, of a worthy and ancient family in Leicestershire, by whom he had one son; she dying in 1643, left George her son an infant, who being educated liberally, after traveling abroad, returned and married one Mrs. Gore, by whom he had several children, but only three daughters survived. He was a young man of good understanding, but, over-indulging his ease and pleasure, grew so very corpulent, contrary to the constitution of the rest of his father's relations, that he died. My brother afterward married a noble and honorable lady, relict of Sir John Cotton, she being an Offley, a worthy and ancient Staffordshire family, by whom he had several children of both sexes. This lady died, leaving only two daughters and a son. The younger daughter died before marriage; the other afterward married Sir Cyril Wych (age 67), a noble and learned gentleman (son of Sir -- Wych), who had been Ambassador at Constantinople, and was afterward made one of the Lords Justices of Ireland. Before this marriage, her only brother married the daughter of Eversfield, of Sussex, of an honorable family, but left a widow without any child living; he died about 1691, and his wife not many years after, and my brother resettled the whole estate on me. His sister, Wych, had a portion of £6,000, to which was added £300 more; the three other daughters, with what I added, had about £5,000 each. My brother died on the 5th of October, in a good old age and great reputation, making his beloved daughter, Lady Wych, sole executrix, leaving me only his library and some pictures of my father, mother, etc. She buried him with extraordinary solemnity, rather as a nobleman than as a private gentleman. There were, as I computed, above 2,000 persons at the funeral, all the gentlemen of the county doing him the last honors. I returned to London, till my lady should dispose of herself and family.
Evelyn's Diary. 25 Jan 1700. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map], the first time after my brother's funeral, to furnish the house with necessaries, Lady Wych and my nephew Glanville, the executors having sold and disposed of what goods were there of my brother's. The weather was now altering into sharp and hard frost.
Evelyn's Diary. 24 May 1700. I went from Dover street to Wotton, Surrey [Map], for the rest of the summer, and removed thither the rest of my goods from Sayes Court [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 19 Jan 1701. Severe frost, and such a tempest as threw down many chimneys, and did great spoil at sea, and blew down above twenty trees of mine at Wotton, Surrey [Map].
Evelyn's Diary. 12 Apr 1702. My steward at Wotton, Surrey [Map] gave a very honest account of what he had laid out on repairs, amounting to £1,900.
Evelyn's Diary. 27 Jun 1702. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map] with my family for the rest of the summer, and my son-in-law, Draper, with his family, came to stay with us, his house at Addiscombe being new-building, so that my family was above thirty. Most of the new Parliament were chosen of Church of England principles, against the peevish party. The Queen (age 37) was magnificently entertained at Oxford and all the towns she passed through on her way to Bath, Somerset [Map].
On 27 Feb 1706 John Evelyn (age 85) died. His grandson John Evelyn 1st Baronet (age 23) succeeded to his Wotton, Surrey [Map] estates.
Evelyn's Diary. The place of my birth was Wotton, Surrey [Map], in the parish of Wotton, or Blackheath, in the county of Surrey, the then mansion-house of my father, left him by my grandfather, afterward and now my eldest brother's. It is situated in the most southern part of the shire; and, though in a valley, yet really upon part of Leith Hill, one of the most eminent in England for the prodigious prospect to be seen from its summit, though by few observed. From it may be discerned twelve or thirteen counties, with part of the sea on the coast of Sussex, in a serene day. The house is large and ancient, suitable to those hospitable times, and so sweetly environed with those delicious streams and venerable woods, as in the judgment of strangers as well as Englishmen it may be compared to one of the most pleasant seats in the nation, and most tempting for a great person and a wanton purse to render it conspicuous. It has rising grounds, meadows, woods, and water, in abundance.
Europe, British Isles, South-East England, Surrey, Wotton, St John's Church
Evelyn's Diary. 15th December, 1634: My dear sister, Darcy (age 20), departed this life, being arrived to her 20th year of age; in virtue advanced beyond her years, or the merit of her husband, the worst of men. She had been brought to bed the 2d of June before, but the infant died soon after her, the 24th of December. I was therefore sent for home the second time, to celebrate the obsequies of my sister; who was interred in a very honorable manner in our dormitory joining to the parish church, where now her monument stands.
On 15 Dec 1634 Elizabeth Evelyn (age 20) died. She was buried in St John's Church, Wotton.
On 29 Sep 1635 Eleanor Stansfield (age 36) died. On 03 Oct 1635 she was buried at St John's Church, Wotton.
Evelyn's Diary. 18 Jul 1637. I accompanied my eldest brother (age 20), who then quitted Oxford, into the country; and, on the 9th of August, went to visit my friends at Lewes [Map], whence I returned the 12th to Wotton, Surrey [Map]. On the 17th of September, I received the blessed Sacrament at Wotton church, and 23d of October went back to Oxford.
Evelyn's Diary. 02 Jan 1641. It was a sad and lugubrious beginning of the year, when, on the 2nd of January 1641, we at night followed the mourning hearse to the church at Wotton; when, after a sermon and funeral oration by the minister, my father was interred near his formerly erected monument, and mingled with the ashes of our mother, his dear wife. Thus we were bereft of both our parents in a period when we most of all stood in need of their counsel and assistance, especially myself, of a raw, vain, uncertain, and very unwary inclination; but so it pleased God to make trial of my conduct in a conjuncture of the greatest and most prodigious hazard that ever the youth of England saw; and, if I did not amidst all this impeach my liberty nor my virtue with the rest who made shipwreck of both, it was more the infinite goodness and mercy of God than the least providence or discretion of mine own, who now thought of nothing but the pursuit of vanity, and the confused imaginations of young men.
Evelyn's Diary. 07 Nov 1641. After receiving the Sacrament at Wotton church, I visited my Lord Marshal (age 56) at Albury.
Evelyn's Diary. 24 Oct 1654. The good old parson, Higham, preached at Wotton Church: a plain preacher, but innocent and honest man.
Evelyn's Diary. 27 Jan 1658. In my opinion, he was suffocated by the women and maids that attended him, and covered him too hot with blankets as he lay in a cradle, near an excessive hot fire in a close room. I suffered him to be opened, when they found that he was what is vulgarly called liver-grown. I caused his body to be coffined in lead, and deposited on the 30th at eight o'clock that night in the church at Deptford, accompanied with divers of my relations and neighbors, among whom I distributed rings with this motto: "Dominus abstulit;" intending, God willing, to have him transported with my own body to be interred in our dormitory in Wotton Church, in my dear native county of Surrey, and to lay my bones and mingle my dust with my fathers, if God be gracious to me, and make me as fit for him as this blessed child was. The Lord Jesus sanctify this and all other my afflictions, Amen.
Before 01 Jun 1691 John Evelyn of Wotton (age 39) died. He was buried on 02 Jun 1691 at Wotton Church.
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. 02 Aug 1691. No sermon in the church in the afternoon, and the curacy ill-served.
Evelyn's Diary. 06 May 1694. This being the first Sunday in the month, the blessed sacrament of the Lord's Supper ought to have been celebrated at Wotton church, but in this parish it is exceedingly neglected, so that, unless at the four great feasts, there is no communion hereabouts; which is a great fault both in ministers and people. I have spoken to my brother (age 76), who is the patron, to discourse the minister about it. Scarcely one shower has fallen since the beginning of April.
Evelyn's Diary. 31 Mar 1695. Mr. Lucas preached in the afternoon at Wotton.
Evelyn's Diary. 30 Mar 1699. My deceased son was buried in the vault at Wotton, according to his desire.
On 15 Sep 1749 Mary Boscawen (age 43) died. She was buried at St John's Church, Wotton.
On 20 Jan 1752 Anne Boscawen Lady Evelyn (age 77) died. She was buried at St John's Church, Wotton on 24 Jan 1752.
On 15 or 18 Jul 1763 John Evelyn 1st Baronet (age 81) died. He was buried at St John's Church, Wotton on 22 Jul 1763. His son John Evelyn 2nd Baronet (age 56) succeeded 2nd Baronet Evelyn of Wotton in Surrey.
On 11 Jun 1767 John Evelyn 2nd Baronet (age 60) died. He was buried at St John's Church, Wotton on 19 Jun 1767. His son Frederick Evelyn 3rd Baronet (age 33) succeeded 3rd Baronet Evelyn of Wotton in Surrey.
On 01 Apr 1812 Frederick Evelyn 3rd Baronet (age 78) died. He was buried at St John's Church, Wotton. His first cousin once removed John Evelyn 4th Baronet (age 54) succeeded 4th Baronet Evelyn of Wotton in Surrey. His widow Mary Turton Lady Evelyn (age 67) inherited Wotton House.
On 12 Nov 1817 Mary Turton Lady Evelyn (age 72) died. She was buried at St John's Church, Wotton.
On 28 Aug 1848 Hugh Evelyn 5th Baronet (age 79) died without issue. He was buried on 09 Sep 1848 at St John's Church, Wotton. Baronet Evelyn of Wotton in Surrey extinct.
Europe, British Isles, South-East England, Surrey, Wotton House
On 24 Aug 1706 John Evelyn 2nd Baronet was born to John Evelyn 1st Baronet (age 24) and Anne Boscawen Lady Evelyn (age 31) at Wotton House.
On 01 Apr 1812 Frederick Evelyn 3rd Baronet (age 78) died. He was buried at St John's Church, Wotton. His first cousin once removed John Evelyn 4th Baronet (age 54) succeeded 4th Baronet Evelyn of Wotton in Surrey. His widow Mary Turton Lady Evelyn (age 67) inherited Wotton House.