John Evelyn’s diary, 1648

From London I went to Wotton to see my young nephew; and thence to Baynards , to visit my brother Richard.

Saw a tragi-comedy acted in the cockpit, after there had been none of these diversions for many years during the war.

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…

There was a great uproar in London, that the rebel army quartering at Whitehall, would plunder the City, on which there was published a Proclamation for all to…

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…

There was a rising now in Kent, my Lord of Norwich being at the head of them. Their first rendezvous was in Broome-field, next my house at Sayes Court, whence they…

I purchased the manor of Hurcott, in Worcestershire, of my brother George, for £3,300.

I sate for my picture, in which there is a Death's head, to Mr. Walker, that excellent painter.

News was brought me of my Lord Francis Villiers being slain by the rebels near Kingston.

I went to Woodcote (in Epsom) to the wedding of my brother, Richard, who married the daughter and coheir of Esquire Minn, lately deceased; by which he had a great…

To London from Sayes Court, and saw the celebrated follies of Bartholomew Fair.

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.

I went to Albury, to visit the Countess of Arundel, and returned to Wotton.

I went to see my manor of Preston Beckhelvyn, and the Cliffhouse.

Myself, with Mr. Thomas Offley, and Lady Gerrard, christened my niece Mary, eldest daughter of my brother, George Evelyn, by my Lady Cotton, his second wife. I…

This day I sold my manor of Hurcott for £3,400 to one Mr. Bridges.

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,…

I heard an Italian sermon, in Mercers' Chapel, one Dr. Middleton, an acquaintance of mine, preaching.

I got privately into the council of the rebel army, at Whitehall, where I heard horrid villanies. This was a most exceedingly wet year, neither frost nor snow all…