George Wheler (travel writer)

George Wheler (1651 – 1724) was an English clergyman, scholar, and traveler, best known for his account of his extensive travels in Greece and Asia Minor in the 1670s. Born in Oxford and educated at Lincoln College, Oxford, Wheler inherited wealth that allowed him to pursue his scholarly interests and embark on his grand tour.

Wheler's travelogue, A Journey into Greece (published in 1682), is a significant contribution to the travel literature of the period. It provides detailed descriptions of the sites he visited, including Athens, Corinth, Delphi, and various islands in the Aegean Sea. His observations cover a range of topics, including the geography, architecture, history, and social customs of the places he encountered. Wheler’s work is particularly valued for its descriptions and drawings of ancient monuments and inscriptions, offering valuable documentation of antiquities that were often poorly preserved or subsequently damaged. He collaborated with the French botanist Jacques-Paul Babin during his travels, collecting specimens and information about local flora.

Beyond his travel writing, Wheler was also a noted botanist and collector of antiquities. He later became a Fellow of the Royal Society and was ordained as a priest in the Church of England. He held various ecclesiastical positions throughout his life, including prebendary of Durham Cathedral. Wheler’s A Journey into Greece provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the late 17th century and remains a valuable resource for scholars interested in the history of travel, archaeology, and early modern European encounters with the Eastern Mediterranean.