Sir William Petty

by Edwin Sandys
line engraving, 1683
Given by Henry Witte Martin, 1861
Reference Collection
NPG D5517

Sitterback to top

Sir William Petty (1623-1687), Political economist. Sitter in 9 portraits.

Artistback to top

Edwin Sandys (1635-circa 1692), Irish engraver. Artist of 1 portrait.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1683back to top

Current affairs

Rye House Plot, a conspiracy to murder the king and his heir, James, Duke of York, is leaked to the government by minor conspirator, Josiah Keeling. Arrests follow; some conspirators are executed, others pardoned while several flee the country.
Worst ever recorded frost in England freezes the Thames.

Art and science

England's first public museum, the Ashmolean Museum, is opened by Oxford University to house a substantial collection donated by the Antiquary, Elias Ashmole.

International

Financial constraints forces Charles II to decide to relinquish Tangiers, an English possession since 1661, unable to continue its defence against the Moors. Admiral, George Legge, Baron Dartmouth, is commissioned to oversee the port's demolition. Diarist, Samuel Pepys accompanies Dartmouth as his secretary during the expedition.

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