Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which famous writers and thinkers did George Berkeley meet in London?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
George Berkeley
George Berkeley, detail of an oil painting by John Smibert, c. 1732; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
When George Berkeley arrived in London in 1713, he quickly became a celebrated figure among the city's intellectual elite, often referred to as the "London wits." During this time, he met and interacted with several prominent writers and thinkers:
- Jonathan Swift: The dean of St. Patrickās Cathedral, who introduced Berkeley at court.1
- Sir Richard Steele: The essayist for whom Berkeley wrote contributions to The Guardian to oppose freethinkers.1
- Joseph Addison: The poet and essayist, with whom Berkeley attended the opening night of the play Cato.1
- Alexander Pope: The famous poet, who famously credited Berkeley with possessing "evāry virtue under heavān".1
Additionally, Berkeley served as a chaplain on an embassy to Sicily with Charles Mordaunt, 3rd Earl of Peterborough, whom he held in high regard.1