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How did John Milton spend the years after leaving Cambridge?

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Engraved portrait of John Milton by Jacob Houbraken, showing Milton with shoulder-length hair, a lace collar, and period clothing, facing forward in an oval frame. — John Milton John Milton, engraving by Jacob Houbraken, 1741.

After leaving Cambridge in 1632, John Milton spent approximately six years in a period of "studious retirement" supported by his father. He initially resided at the family home in Hammersmith before relocating to a pastoral setting in Horton, Buckinghamshire, in 1635, likely due to an outbreak of the plague. During these years, he dedicated his time primarily to reading Greek and Latin authors.1

In 1638, Milton embarked on a 15-month tour of the Continent, spending most of his time in Italy, particularly in Florence and Rome. During this journey, he engaged with the Italian literati and famously met the astronomer Galileo. He eventually cut his travels short and returned to London upon learning of the death of his close friend Charles Diodati and the impending civil war in England. Back in London, he took up residence and began tutoring his nephews, John and Edward Phillips.23