The Remarkable Samuel Pepys

I've lately been feeding my interest in the 17th century, especially England, through several books and the Internet. I just finished reading Samuel Pepys: The Unequalled Self by Claire Tomalin. That century contained plagues, the great London fire, revolution, counterrevolution, and the emergence of science. Pepys experienced it all and for some 9 years wrote a comprehensive, perceptive, and extremely candid diary.

Pepys began life as the son of London tailor and managed to reach the highest levels of English government as an advisor to kings. Along the way he switched from being a supporter of Cromwell and Parliament to backing Charles II and James II. As a high-level naval official he instituted many practices that made the Royal Navy the greatest in the world. Unfortunately for Pepys, Charles II was a wastrel and James II an open Catholic whose religion cost him his crown. His connection to them cost him some time in the Tower of London.

Although not a scientist himself Pepys had a curious mind and also belonged to the Royal Society serving a term as its president. (The Royal Society - the UK's national academy of science). Pepys also had a strong appetite for women, which he also details in his diary.

The Internet has some very good Pepys resources. His diary is online with an interesting presentation at Pepys' Diary. More details can be found at Samuel Pepys Home.

Late in life Pepys and his companions were accosted by highwaymen. They survived the encounter but the criminals ultimately did not. The trial is described at: Samuel Pepys, victim in trial of in Thomas Hoyle, Samuel Gibbons, theft with violence : highway robbery, theft with violence : highway robbery, 6th December, 1693.

The thieves made off with a "Silver Ruler, val. 30 s. a Gold Pencil val. 8 l. Five Mathematical Instruments, value 3 l. a Magnifying Glass, value 20 s. a Gold and Silver Purse, val. 10 s. Two Guineas and 20 s. in Money these were Mr. Pepys Goods and Money. The things they took from Mr. Jackson were, a Silver Hilted Sword, val. 50 s. a Hatband, val. 2 s. &c."

During the robbery "Mr. Pepys conjured them to be Civil to the Ladies, and not to Affright them, which they were; and by their demeanour of themselves, my Lady Pepys saved a Bag of Money that she had about her; Mr. Pepys desired them to give him a particular Instrument that was of great use to him; and one of them told him Sir, You are a Gentleman, and so are we; if you will send to the Rummer Tavern at Charing-Cross to Morrow, you shall have it there."

The account concludes "The Evidence was very particular for the King against them: So the Jury having considered the matter very distinctly, they brought in a Verdict, That they were both guilty of Felony and Robbery." Some three-hundred and fourteen years ago this week, the defendants were amoing sixteen who received the sentence of death on that single day on 6 December 1693 at the Old Bailey.

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London 1674 to 1834.