Roger Strange 1616-1704

Before 1605 [his father] Hamon Strange [aged 21] and [his mother] Anne Stubbe were married.

On 17th December 1616 Roger Strange was born to Hamon Strange [aged 33] and Anne Stubbe at Hunstanton, Norfolk.

On 31st May 1654 [his father] Hamon Strange [aged 71] died.

John Evelyn's Diary. 4th March 1656. This night I was invited by Mr. Roger L'Estrange [aged 39] to hear the incomparable Lubicer [aged 26] on the violin. His variety on a few notes and plain ground, with that wonderful dexterity, was admirable. Though a young man, yet so perfect and skillful, that there was nothing, however cross and perplexed, brought to him by our artists, which he did not play off at sight with ravishing sweetness and improvements, to the astonishment of our best masters. In sum, he played on the single instrument a full concert, so as the rest flung down their instruments, acknowledging the victory. As to my own particular, I stand to this hour amazed that God should give so great perfection to so young a person. There were at that time as excellent in their profession as any were thought to be in Europe, Paul Wheeler, Mr. Mell, and others, till this prodigy appeared. I can no longer question the effects we read of in David's harp to charm evil spirits, or what is said some particular notes produced in the passions of Alexander, and that King of Denmark.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 4th September 1663. Up betimes, and an hour at my viall, and then abroad by water to White Hall and Westminster Hall [Map], and there bought the first newes-books of L'Estrange's [aged 46]¹ writing; he beginning this week; and makes, methinks, but a simple beginning.

Note 1. Roger L'Estrange, a voluminous writer of pamphlets and periodical papers, and translator of classics, &c. Born 1616. He was Licenser of the Press to Charles II and James II; and M.P. for Winchester in James II's parliament. L'Estrange was knighted in the reign of James II, and died 1704. In 1663 L'Estrange set up a paper called "The Public Intelligencer", which came out on August 31st, and continued to be published twice a week till January 19th, 1665, when it was superseded by the scheme of publishing the "London Gazette", the first number of which appeared on February 4th following.

Samuel Pepys' Diary. 17th December 1664. At noon I to the 'Change [Map], and there, among others, had my first meeting with Mr. L'Estrange [aged 48], who hath endeavoured several times to speak with me. It is to get, now and then, some newes of me, which I shall, as I see cause, give him. He is a man of fine conversation, I think, but I am sure most courtly and full of compliments.

John Evelyn's Diary. 29th May 1674. His Majesty's [aged 44] birthday and Restoration. Mr. Demalhoy, Roger L'Estrange [aged 57], and several of my friends, came to dine with me on the happy occasion.

On 11th December 1704 Roger Strange [aged 87] died.