1620-1706. English diarist and author. He was
a friend of Pepys, and like him remained in
London during the Plague and the Great Fire.
He wrote 300-odd books, including his diary,
first published 1818, which covers the period
1640-1706. Born in Surrey, he enlisted for
three years in the Royalist army 1624, but
withdrew on finding his estate exposed to the
enemy and lived mostly away from England
until 1652. He declined all office under the
Commonwealth, but after the Restoration
enjoyed great favour, received court
appointments, and was one of the founders of
the Royal Society.