John Covel (2 April 1638 – 19 December 1722) was a clergyman and scientist who became Master of Christ's College, Cambridge and vice-chancellor of the University.[1] Born at Horningsheath, Suffolk, the son of William Covel, John Covel was educated at Bury St Edmunds school and Christ's College, Cambridge, where he was made a fellow in 1659.For two years he was in sole charge of the English Embassy there after the previous ambassador died.[3] Covel travelled widely in Asia Minor and described the buildings and plants which he saw.After his return, Covel spent the winter of 1680/1681 in Suffolk suffering with fever,[4] before becoming Chaplain to the Princess of Orange in The Hague (1681–1685).
