Born 1632.—Died 1723.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.
Was born at East Knoyle, in Wiltshire. He was the greatest architect of his age, after Italian models. He did not understand the principles of Pointed, or what is called Gothic Architecture. Besides re-building many of the churches destroyed by the great fire of London, he built the Theatre at Oxford and re-built St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is the greatest of his works. The Latin inscription to him to be read there justly says, “If you seek for his monument, look around you.”
SIR ISAAC NEWTON.
Born 1642.—Died 1727.—Charles I.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.
This great man was a native of Woolsthorpe, in Lincolnshire; he has been called the founder of natural philosophy. He made great discoveries in astronomy by applying the principle of gravitation to the planets; and established important facts in optics and mathematics. His great works were the Principia and Optics. He was a man of the gentlest disposition, and was so unassuming and modest that he seemed unaware of his own genius. He died at Kensington.
SIR RICHARD STEELE.
Born 1671.—Died 1729.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.
The friend of Addison and editor of the Spectator, Tatler, Guardian, and Englishman, in which he also wrote.
DANIEL DEFOE.
Born 1661.—Died 1731.—Charles II.—James II.—William III.—Anne.—George I.—George II.