John Evelyn's Diary January 1648
John Evelyn's Diary February 1648
John Evelyn's Diary April 1648
John Evelyn's Diary May 1648
John Evelyn's Diary July 1648
John Evelyn's Diary August 1648
John Evelyn's Diary September 1648
John Evelyn's Diary 1648 is in John Evelyn's Diary 1640s.
14th January 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 [aged 25].
28th February 1648. I went with my noble friend, Sir William Ducy (afterward Lord Downe), to Thistleworth, where we dined with Sir Clepesby Crew, and afterward to see the rare miniatures of Peter Oliver, and rounds of plaster, and then the curious flowers of Mr. Barill's garden, who has some good medals and pictures. Sir Clepesby has fine Indian hangings, and a very good chimney-piece of water colors, by Breughel, which I bought for him.
4th May 1648. Came up the Essex petitioners for an agreement between his Majesty and the rebels. The 16th, the Surrey men addressed the Parliament for the same; of which some of them were slain and murdered by Oliver Cromwell's [aged 49] guards, in the new palace yard [Map]. I now sold the impropriation of South Malling, near Lewes [Map], in Sussex, to Messrs. Kemp and Alcock, for £3,000.
30th May 1648. There was a rising now in Kent, my Lord of Norwich [aged 63] being at the head of them. Their first rendezvous was in Broome-field, next my house at Sayes Court, Deptford [Map], whence they went to Maidstone, and so to Colchester, Essex [Map], where was that memorable siege.
27th June 1648. I purchased the manor of Hurcott, in Worcestershire, of my brother George [aged 31], for £3,300.
1st July 1648. I sate for my picture, in which there is a Death's head, to Mr. Walker [aged 49], that excellent painter.
Note 1. See Portrait by Robert Walker.
10th July 1648. News was brought me of my Lord Francis Villiers [deceased] being slain by the rebels near Kingston [Map].
16th August 1648. I went to Woodcote (in Epsom) to the wedding of my brother, Richard [aged 25], who married the daughter [aged 19] and coheir of Esquire Minn [aged 67], lately deceased; by which he had a great estate both in land and money on the death of a brother. The coach in which the bride and bridegroom were, was overturned in coming home; but no harm was done.
28th August 1648. To London from Sayes Court, Deptford [Map], and saw the celebrated follies of Bartholomew Fair.
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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16th September 1648. Came my lately married brother, Richard, and his wife, to visit me, when I showed them Greenwich, and her Majesty's Palace, now possessed by the rebels.
28th September 1648. I went to Albury, to visit the Countess of Arundel [aged 38], and returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].
31st October 1648. I went to see my manor of Preston Beckhelvyn, and the Cliffhouse.
29th November 1648. Myself, with Mr. Thomas Offley, and Lady Gerrard, christened my niece Mary, eldest daughter of my brother, George Evelyn [aged 31], by my Lady Cotton, his second wife. I presented my niece a piece of plate which cost me £18, and caused this inscription to be set on it-.
29th November 1648. In memoriam facti.
29th November 1648. Anno cIc Ix. xliix. Cal. Decem. viii. Virginum castiss: Xtianorum innocentis: Nept: suavis: Mariæ. Johan. Evelynus Avunculus et Susceptor Vasculum hoc cum Epigraphe L. M. Q. D.
29th November 1648. Ave Maria Gratiâ sis plena; Dominus tecum.
2nd December 1648. This day I sold my manor of Hurcott for £3,400 to one Mr. Bridges.
13th December 1648. The Parliament now sat up the whole night, and endeavored to have concluded the Isle of Wight Treaty; but were surprised by the rebel army; the members dispersed, and great confusion every where in expectation of what would be next.
17th December 1648. I heard an Italian sermon, in Mercers' Chapel, one Dr. Middleton, an acquaintance of mine, preaching.
Westminster Chronicle of King Richard II, 1381-1394
The Westminster Chronicle is one of the most vivid and important narrative sources for the reign of Richard II. Written by an anonymous chronicler closely connected with Westminster Abbey, it covers the years 1381 to 1394, from the Peasants’ Revolt to the political tensions, court ceremonies, diplomatic negotiations, royal progresses, and public crises of Richard’s later reign. Rich in detail the chronicle records major events such as the conflicts between the King and Lords Appellant, King and the City of London, negotiations with France and Scotland, the death and funeral of Queen Anne of Bohemia, the illness of Charles VI of France, and the changing fortunes of leading nobles including John of Gaunt, Thomas of Gloucester, Robert de Vere, and the Earl of Arundel. The Chronicle offers readers a remarkable window into late fourteenth-century England, combining political observation, courtly spectacle, urban drama, ecclesiastical affairs, and moral judgement. It is an essential source for anyone interested in medieval monarchy, London, Westminster, and the troubled reign of Richard II.
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18th December 1648. This was a most exceedingly wet year, neither frost nor snow all the winter for more than six days in all. Cattle died every where of a murrain.