John Evelyn
/ˌdʒɒn ˈiːvlɪn/
/ˌdʒɑːn ˈiːvlɪn/
- (1620-1706) an English writer and traveller, best known for his diary, which was first published in 1818. This tells us a lot about his busy life and many interests. He spent a lot of time at court, was one of the original members of the Royal Society, and was active in the building of St Paul's Cathedral after the Great Fire of London. He was also a close friend of Samuel Pepys.