John Evelyn

Evelyn was born in 1620 into a substantial Surrey landowning family whose fortunes were founded in gunpowder manufacture. He inherited the family business in 1627, but he lost the contract in 1636 due to dispute with the Government. He also had interest in trading companies and was a member of the Virginia and East India Companies.

As a Presbyterian, Evelyn was a supporter of the Parliament during the Civil War. He was also active in public affairs during these turbulent politic times – he was a justice of the peace for Surrey (from 1624), MP for Bletchingley (from 1628 until 1629, in 1640 and in 1660), a commissioner for assessments (from 1643 to 1648) and a commissioner for sequestrations (1643).

He was knighted on 25 June 1641.

Evelyn died at the age of 71 and was buried at Godstone, Surrey.