John Evelyn’s diary, 1659

Our old vicar preached, taking leave of the parish in a pathetical speech, to go to a living in the city.

I went to London, to speak to the patron, Alderman Cuttler, about presenting a fit pastor for our destitute parish church.

Came the Earl of Northampton and the famous painter, Mr. Wright, to visit me.

One Mr. Littler, being now presented to the living of our parish, preached on John vi. 55, a sermon preparatory to the Holy Sacrament.

A wonderful and sudden change in the face of the public; the new protector, Richard, slighted; several pretenders and parties strive for the government: all anarchy…

I went to visit my brother in London; and next day, to see a new opera, after the Italian way, in recitative music and scenes, much inferior to the Italian…

Came the Ambassador of Holland and his lady to visit me, and stayed the whole afternoon.

I returned the visit, discoursing much of the revolutions, etc.

Came to dine with me my Lord Galloway and his son, a Scotch Lord and learned: also my brother and his lady, Lord Berkeley and his lady, Mrs. Shirley, and the famous…

I went to Rookwood, and dined with Sir William Hicks, where was a great feast and much company. It is a melancholy old house, environed with trees and rooks.

Came to see me my Lord George Berkeley, Sir William Ducie, and Sir George Pott's son of Norfolk.

The nation was now in extreme confusion and unsettled, between the Armies and the Sectaries, the poor Church of England breathing as it were her last; so sad a face…

To London, to take leave of my brother, and see the foundations now laying for a long street and buildings in Hatton Garden, designed for a little town, lately an…

I communicated to Mr. Robert Boyle, son to the Earl of Cork, my proposal for erecting a philosophic and mathematic college.

Came to see me Mr. Brereton, a very learned gentleman, son to my Lord Brereton, with his and divers other ladies. Also, Henry Howard of Norfolk, since Duke of…

I went to visit Sir William Ducie and Colonel Blount, where I met Sir Henry Blount, the famous traveler and water drinker.

I came with my wife and family to London: took lodgings at the Three Feathers, in Russell Street, Covent Garden, for the winter, my son being very unwell.

Came to visit me Mr. William Coventry (since secretary to the Duke), son to the Lord Keeper, a wise and witty gentleman. The Army now turned out the Parliament. We…

I visited Mr. Howard, at Arundel House, who gave me a fair onyx set in gold, and showed me his design of a palace there.

A private fast was kept by the Church of England Protestants in town, to beg of God the removal of his judgments, with devout prayers for his mercy to our…

Was published my bold "Apology for the King" in this time of danger, when it was capital to speak or write in favor of him. It was twice printed; so universally it…

We observed our solemn Fast for the calamity of our Church.

I went to see the several drugs for the confection of treacle, dioscordium, and other electuaries, which an ingenious apothecary had not only prepared and ranged on…

Dined with the Dutch Ambassador. He did in a manner acknowledge that his nation mind only their own profit, do nothing out of gratitude, but collaterally as it…

Mr. Gunning celebrated the wonted Fast, and preached on Phil. ii. 12, 13.

Sir John Evelyn invited us to the forty-first wedding-day feast, where was much company of friends.

I was introduced into the acquaintance of divers learned and worthy persons, Sir John Marsham, Mr. Dugdale, Mr. Stanley, and others.

I supped with Mr. Gunning, it being our fast day, Dr. Fearne, Mr. Thrisco, Mr. Chamberlain, Dr. Henchman, Dr. Wild, and other devout and learned divines, firm…

I treated privately with Colonel Morley, then Lieutenant of the Tower, and in great trust and power, concerning delivering it to the King, and the bringing of him…

I spent in public concerns for his Majesty, pursuing the point to bring over Colonel Morley, and his brother-in-law, Fay, Governor of Portsmouth.

Preached that famous divine, Dr. Sanderson (since Bishop of Lincoln), now eighty years old, on Jer. xxx. 13, concerning the evil of forsaking God.

Came my Lord Count Arundel, of Wardour, to visit me. I went also to see my Lord Viscount Montague.

Settling my domestic affairs in order, blessed God for his infinite mercies and preservations the past year.