John evelyn sylva

1. John Evelyn: A Multifaceted English Gentleman
2. Grand Tour and Marriage:
3. Return to England and Royalist Affiliations:
4. Restoration and Government Service:
5. Contribution to the Royal Society:
6. Devotion to Margaret Blagge:
7. Diplomatic Career and Later Life:
8. Diaries and Legacy:

John Evelyn: A Multifaceted English Gentleman

John Evelyn, born into a wealthy landed gentry family, pursued his education in London and Balliol College, Oxford. However, the English Civil War compelled him to avoid joining the Royalists, fearing the potential threat to his brother's estate in Wotton.

Grand Tour and Marriage:

In 1643, Evelyn embarked on a grand tour, visiting France and Italy to study art, architecture, and religion. He spent a year in Paris, where he married Mary, the daughter of Charles I's ambassador to France.

Return to England and Royalist Affiliations:

In 1652, Evelyn returned to England and inherited his father-in-law's estate in Deptford. Throughout the 1650s, he became increasingly associated with the Royalist cause, publishing two pamphlets in 1659.

Restoration and Government Service:

Upon the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, Evelyn gained royal favor. He served on various commissions, including the Commission for the Improvement of London Streets (1662), the Commission for Repairing St. Paul's Cathedral (1666), and the Royal Mint.

Contribution to the Royal Society:

Elected to the Council of the Royal Society in 1662, Evelyn became a lifelong member. He published two notable works: "Sylva, or a Discourse of Forest-Trees and the Propagation of Timber" (1664) and "Sculptura" (1662), a treatise on engraving.

Devotion to Margaret Blagge:

Around 1670, Evelyn became deeply attached to Margaret Blagge, a maid of honor. Their relationship remained chaste, and she later married another. Her tragic death in childbirth in 1678 inspired Evelyn's widely acclaimed biography, "The Life of Mrs. Godolphin."

Diplomatic Career and Later Life:

In 1685, Evelyn was appointed one of three special commissioners for the Department of the Privy Seal, a post he held for 15 months. He published his final major work, "Numismata," in 1697.

Diaries and Legacy:

Evelyn's personal diaries, covering most of the second half of the 17th century, were published posthumously in 1818. These accounts provide invaluable insights into English society and events of the period, albeit with limited self-reflection. He remains a prominent figure in English cultural and intellectual history, whose diverse contributions span the realms of art, forestry, religion, and historical documentation.