John Evelyn
John Evelyn
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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John Evelyn (1620-1706) is commonly known by his full name. As a prominent figure in English society during the 17th century, he was also referred to as Sir John Evelyn.
Birth and Death Dates
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John Evelyn was born on October 31, 1620, in Wotton House, Surrey, England. He passed away on February 27, 1706, at the age of 85.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Evelyn was an English gentleman, writer, gardener, architect, and diarist. His diverse professions reflect his multifaceted nature and significant contributions to various fields during his lifetime.
Early Life and Background
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As a member of the landed gentry, Evelyn's family possessed considerable wealth and influence. His father, George Evelyn, was a Justice of the Peace, while his mother, Mary Hillersdon, came from a prominent local family. John's early life was marked by a love for nature, literature, and architecture. He was educated at home before attending Balliol College, Oxford.
Major Accomplishments
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Evelyn achieved great success in several areas:
Architectural contributions: As an architect, Evelyn designed numerous notable buildings in England, including the famous Chiswick House.
Gardening expertise: He was a renowned horticulturist and established several gardens throughout his life. One of his most significant creations is the garden at Sayes Court, which remains a testament to his innovative approach to landscape design.
Writings and publications: Evelyn's literary works encompass various genres, including gardening, architecture, history, and travel writing. Some of his notable publications include Sylva: Or A Discourse of Forest-Trees, which became the basis for modern forestry practices in England.Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his architectural designs, Evelyn's writings had a profound impact on English culture:
Diarist and historian: He kept an extensive diary throughout his life, providing valuable insights into the social, cultural, and historical context of 17th-century England.
Travel experiences: As a seasoned traveler, Evelyn documented his journeys to Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. His travel accounts offer a unique perspective on various cultures and historical events.Impact and Legacy
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John Evelyn's enduring legacy is evident in several areas:
Shaping English landscape design: His innovative approach to gardening and landscape architecture has influenced generations of designers.
Pioneering forestry practices: Through Sylva, Evelyn introduced sustainable forestry methods, which remain essential for modern forest management.
Contributions to literary heritage: As a prolific writer, Evelyn's works have been widely read and studied, offering insights into the social, cultural, and historical context of 17th-century England.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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John Evelyn is widely quoted for his insightful writings on various subjects. His contributions to English literature, architecture, and horticulture have earned him a lasting place in history:
Authoritative voice: As a skilled writer and observer, Evelyn's diaries provide an invaluable window into the past.
Pioneering spirit: His innovative ideas on gardening, forestry, and architecture continue to inspire professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Overall, John Evelyn's remarkable life, works, and legacy have cemented his status as one of England's most influential figures in the 17th century.
Quotes by John Evelyn
A gardener’s work is never at an end; it begins with the year and continues to the next.
Gardening is a labour full of tranquility and satisfaction; natural and instructive, and as such contributes to the most serious contemplation, experience, health and longevity.
A gardener's work is never at an end; it begins with the year and continues to the next.
The Hellish and dismal cloud of...Coal...perpetually imminent over (London) ...that her inhabitants breathe nothing but impure and thick mist...corrupting the lungs and disordering the entire habit of their bodies; so the Catarrhs,...Cough, and Consumption, range more in this one City, than in the whole Earth besides.
The gardener's work is never at at end; it begins with the year, and continues to the next: he prepares the ground, and then he sows it; after that he plants, and then he gathers the fruits...
I saw Hamlet Prince of Denmark played; but now the old plays begin to disgust this refined age.
Chestnuts are delicacies for princes and a lusty and masculine food for rusticks, and able to make women well-complexioned.
We adorn graves with flowers and redolent plants, just emblems of the life of man, which has been compared in the Holy Scriptures to those fading beauties whose roots, being buried in dishonor, rise again in glory.