John Evelyn, English diarist, c 1650.

Engraving dated 1745. John Evelyn (1620-1706), an authority on numismatics, archictecture and landscape gardening. Born in Surrey, Evelyn studied at Oxford and London, and was often at court during the Restoration. He acted on public committees, becoming one of the Commisioners of the Privy Seal (1685-1687) and treasurer of Greenwich Hospital (1695-1703). His famous 'Diary' was published in 1818 and is a detailed sourcebook on life in 17th century England.