The Diary of Samuel Pepys

The diary of Samuel Pepys offers a unique opportunity to gain insight on life in London when King Charles II returned to sit upon his executed father's throne. I'm exploring some excerpts from this fascinating text in this video to see what we can learn about Pepys and the era in which he lived...
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Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
SFX from freesfx.co.uk/...
Linked videos and playlists:
Execution of Charles I playlist: • Whitehall, Banqueting ...
Great Fire: • Dr Kat and the Great F...
Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):
Image of the first page of Samuel Pepys manuscript diary from H.B. Wheatley, ed, The Diary of Samuel Pepys: Pepysiana (London, 1899).
Various screenshots from pepysdiary.com (www.pepysdiary...)
Etching called “The execution of King Charles I”, after an unknown artist (c.1649). Held by the National Portrait Gallery.
1825 print of a c.1666 portrait of Elizabeth Pepys, engraved by James Thomson, after John Hayls.
Portrait of Samuel Pepys by John Hayls (1666). Held by the National Portrait Gallery.
Portrait of Charles II of England in Coronation robes by John Michael Wright (c.1661-1662). Held by the Royal Collection.
Portrait of Barbara Palmer, née Villiers, Lady Castlemaine and Duchess of Cleveland by Peter Lely (17th century). Held in the Schorr Collection.
Portrait of Samuel Pepys by Godfrey Kneller (1689). Held by the National Maritime Museum.
Portrait of Samuel Pepys attributed to John Riley (c.1690). Held by the National Portrait Gallery.
Quoted texts:
Samuel Pepys’ diary from pepysdiary.com (www.pepysdiary...)
Also consulted, were:
Relevant entries in The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Online
#History #Pepys #ReadingThePast

[@babablacksheepdog]

Reading parts of the diary, it strikes me how in certain respects, our life and Pepys' life isn't that different, despite the centuries that have passed. Like us, he goes to work, visits friends, and has friends visit him, goes to the theatre, goes sightseeing, enjoys a bit of gossip, goes to the doctor. Even his work-related woes, his and his wife's struggles with infertility, all sound similar to the daily problems faced by a modern person.

[@gadpivs]

Yes, and then suddenly, someone is being beheaded publicly, the bubonic plague is ravaging everyone, servants run away and get whipped when caught, everyone is making forceful advances on women without their consent, and people are gambling on c*ck fights in the streets.

[@chewyourmilk]

Kisses dead queens on the mouth, gets sent to the tower, just like us

[@ifoundasquirrelwildliferescue]

Definitely still a time to use isn’t and a time to use aren’t… centuries passing doesn’t mean rules of languages should be disregarded…

[@georginaspeirs6097]

Nothing changes world over or date. Learnt that with immig immigrants have same problems. Beauty of nursing

[@renastone9355]

@@chewyourmilk Well, we have some weird folks now that could certainly outdo Pepys in the weirdness department. Is a lot harder now to get sent to the Tower. ;) But I agree with the commentator. Reading the diary, is mostly just day to day stuff. "had to go to work early today, but had a nice dinner at so-and-so's house, happy that my wife is prettier than his wife, went to a play and what a waste of time that was, got new clothes, gosh do I look good, etc.

[@iainsan]

Pepys would be said to be a little 'OCD' if he was around today. Not only does he record every detail in his diary, even really personal actions about which he is ashamed or which could land him in serious trouble if discovered, but he loses his temper quite easily if things are not arranged 'just so'. Examples include the behaviour of his servants, Elizabeth's appearence and dress, his own clothes, the quality of meals and various projects at work. When his house is being altered or decorated by workmen, he actually takes time off to stay at home watching them to ensure that they work hard and do the job to his satisfaction. It's lucky for us that he was so fussy because it gives his diaries a frankness and richness of detail which is really without compare.

[@SelinaCat]

Being a diarist was considered academic following the rediscovery of ancient texts translated during the renaissance. The mundane details were actually the point. The historians from Ancient Greece and Rome were the inspo. You can tell it is NOT OCD and what I just described because of the short specific period he did it. He didn't record the entirety of his life nor his day. Some entries are short one word sentences. Becareful throwing around words like OCD if all you know about it is what you see on TV.

[@iainsan]

You obviously haven't read Pepy's diaries yourself or you would realise that he was in fact probably OCD. Fussy does not cover his attention to detail. Also, your main thesis is wrong because no other diary of the period in existence goes into as much detail as Pepys', insluding such personal information as the frequency and consistency of his stools. It's not just about 'mundane details' - it's about sharing his every thought and action, inclusing some that were treasonous. Also, he only gave up the diary because his eyesight was starting to fail. @@SelinaCat

[@iainsan]

Given what you have written, I do not think you have actually read Pepys' diaries. He never made 'one word entries'. Also, no other diary of the period has as many details about the diarist's thoughts, actions, work life, relationships, health, sex life, bodily functions and home improvement plans. If you read his full diaries, you will see that he probably was OCD. He detested dirt and mess to the point of it making him angry and depressed. He was also painstaking about everything he did and obsessively jealous. I do not 'throw around' such terms lightly as I have known many people with the condition. Finally, he kept the diary for seven years and only gave it up because his eyesight began to fail. @@SelinaCat

[@SelinaCat]

@@iainsan I meant one sentence entries my apologies. But my point still stands. He was living at a time when the streets were LITERALLY laiden with feces. Trash and sanitation was non existent and he worked with the navy where the hygiene was famously worse. It would upset anybody especially someone who was in the newly developing middle class. You're escaping the muck, but not enough to avoid it like the ruling class. It's not unique to Pepys. Sure he was a weirdo but you do not know many people with OCD. Because it's a crippling neurological trauma condition with serious quality of life impacting behaviours. Rather, you likely know undiagnosed people on the Autistic spectrum who are fussy. I can tell because what you think is telling is the kinds of things you see on TV shows like Monk. It's not reality. He was NOT the only person to keep such a record, he was the only one whose records survived & voluntarily donated it. It was meant as a PRIVATE record of his thoughts that he gave to Cambridge for posterity after he was going blind. He was around at a historically significant time, but if you studied the American Civil War at all, you'd know that alone doesn't matter. It's his connection to so many historically significant events & people that made his diary worthy of study in the first place. Anne Frank's Diary also holds a lot of details, observations, and general thoughts and fears. I have read both. Pepys possesses none of the traits you'd actually attribute to OCD. I am Neurodivergent. I have experienced true OCD symptoms when under extreme stress. They are not rational or logical. They are a sense of impending catastrophe related to impulse control. If you don't do X, you will die. It's a bizarre trauma response not a genetic condition. Part of me doesn't want to educate you on the specifics since you are obviously someone who will now use my words to pretend you are an expert elsewhere. But I hope me seeing through you will teach you a lesson about pretending to be an expert. It's really insulting to those of us who deal with these things, and it doesn't make you sound smart, just arrogant. Learn some humility. Maybe then you'd actually be interesting.

[@iainsan]

I am a teacher who worked for 40 years with special needs children, many of whom were OCD and/or on the autistic spectrum, so I think I do know what I am talking about. Pepys didn't write one sentence entries either - not one in seven years! He was also not a 'weirdo'. Furthermore, not even the ruling class could escape 'muck' as you call it. They had little concept of hygeine or the causes of infection and were almost as prone to disease as the poor. Two of Charles II's siblings died of smallpox soon after the Restoration, as did his niece Queen Mary II in 1694. Finally, if you cannot join in a historical discussion without being rude and abusive, perhaps you should not try to do so. @@SelinaCat

[@cynthiafroning7678]

My husband’s grandfather was a huge Pepys fan and we inherited a signed letter from him to the King. It’s one of my most prized possessions.

[@paulleverton9569]

You still have it? Can you say a little about it, please.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

That's wonderful, I'm so jealous. Can you give more details? Please?

[@shelley2he844]

Wow!! That is so cool, I would love that 🤗😍 to have a little bit of history in my possession.

[@starsparklemonkey3390]

Peppys raped a child WTF is wrong with your family 🤢🤢🤢

[@ChrisJ-ru6ek]

I have a signed t shirt

[@cindys2617]

I believe we're often too quick to excuse bad behavior as being a "product of a different time", as if they didn't know better and it couldn't be helped. He clearly knew his actions upset his wife, and that he continues the behavior shows it is a conscious choice to not behave as a kind and caring husband. That's his character, not the environment.

[@a.s.3267]

Thank-you. Yes!

[@johnnorth4667]

I agree, he was an immoral sex predator that used his position for his gratification. On the 17th September 1663 he visited a village close to where I live Parsons Drove. to his uncle and aunt Perkins. he hated the place and his visit except for "the mayde who was indifference handsome, and so I had a kiss or two of her, and I to bed"

[@Insectoid_]

I disagree. Had you been brought up in that time I have no doubt you’d see the world in a different light and behave differently.

[@jayargonauts]

Samuel Pepys’ diary is a very entertaining read and a rare glimpse into 17th century England. One entry in the diary Pepys talks about listening to Mr John Swinfen, MP in Parliament which is fascinating for me because John Swinfen is my ancestor.

[@ReadingthePast]

There are so many interesting entries in the diary! I found it really hard to whittle down to the ones I spoke about here!

[@lindahart6049]

It’s such a thrill to read or see something with an ancestors name, isn’t it! This is a terrific connection between you and your ancestor, lucky you!

[@jayargonauts]

@@lindahart6049 Samuel Pepys’ diary is a work I have been reading on and off for many years, long before I had heard or knew anything about John Swinfen or my family connection with him. It was whilst researching my family tree that I found the connection with John and Pepys’ reference to him in his diary.

[@conemadam]

Yay!!! Samuel Pepys is one of my favorites. I am delighted that you included many naughty moments. “It’s gross and I want you to know about it too” referring to his “gag-worthy” smooch with a very dead queen made my day! Every Friday, I am so happy to get your esteemed academic and hilarious take on a vast array of subjects. You outdid yourself with Samuel Pepys. Thank you!!!

[@ReadingthePast]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🤩

[@theresacarmen9847]

Oe

[@markant9534]

Have you seen the TV movie The Private Life of Samuel Pepys?@@ReadingthePast

[@byronadams4092]

This was delicious and exactly what I needed after a trying week. I reread some Pepys in 2020 and found it interesting how many of the same pandemic precautions of the twenty-first century were in use during the seventeenth-century plague in London. Pepys was very careful about social distancing, for example. Part of the surprise about Pepys interactions with the young lady who was readying her pins against his unwelcome erotic attentions was that it took place during a sermon in a church, and a sermon to which Pepys was attending carefully while being a nuisance. Sermons were an important source of entertainment in those Restoration days and the subject of a perverse connoisseurship that had little to do with actual devotion. Divine service must have been quite lively in those London churches. Finally, when Pepys was accused of "popery" I suspect he was in real trouble, as the nearest equivalent in American history would have been for an upper-level bureaucrat to be branded a Communist in Washington, D. C. during the 1950s. Sorry for these ramblings--how I enjoy your presentations!

[@swymaj02]

When something like quarantines have been around since the Black Death, it would make sense for ppl like Pepys to use common sense during a pandemic. I mean epidemic, but the way this current decade's been playing out, you never know.

[@portialipton]

I love Pepys. We should remember that his behaviour was pretty typical of the time and we shouldn't come down so hard on him with our 21st century eyes. We are lucky that he wrote his diary in code as it is probably the reason it survived. It is so unique and opens our eyes to what life was like at the time. Thanks Kat for another fab video.

[@sarahwatts7152]

Good point, though I would have made it a point never to sit next to him at church!

[@ReadingthePast]

@Sarah Watts at least, not without a pocket full of pins!!

[@slinky.blackcat9965]

If she was about to get him with pins, I doubt that it was acceptable back then either.

[@a.s.3267]

Hurting and harrassing others is not justifiable in any century whenever it was. He knew he was hurting his wife and distressing those young women. There's no 'it was a different time' about it.

[@angryhistoryguy5657]

It was a different time in the sense that he knew he could get away with it, because that sort of abuse was normalized within the society. It doesn't make it any less abusive, it just shows that he was the sort of man who had no problem with abusing others as long as he wouldn't face punishment for it.

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

It's Samuel "warts and all" so to speak. He was honest about his foibles unlike so many others of his time (and our time). He has popped up so often when I've studied different points in history. I remember his writing about some buried parmesan cheese in his garden during the Great Fire. Like him or not, he's a fascinating man and he gave history a tremendous gift.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

While much later my family has a diary from an ancestor who travelled by wagon train to Texas after the US Civil War. What she described is entirely different from the portrayals in movies and tv series. She and the rest of her family were terrified of the “miscreants” also on the train and the women spent much of their time in the wagon. I love historical diaries as they tell us so much about the lives of literate people…as literacy spread diaries were kept across class lines. I read a lot of diaries when studying oppression.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Pepys is almost a textbook hanger-on of the rich and famous. His position in society was as the outermost fringe relative of aristocrats (Montagu). He was indeed diligent enough to use his natural talents to advance in society, but he was also very attentive to his social status and to his social superiors. I have a theory that his bizarre "petticoat peeping" and kissing a corpse were spurred by an obsession with the aristocracy and I suspect that abusing servants was partly to lord it over someone, anyone, not just because they were available. Clearly there was some sort of sexual addiction - 20 women in 9 years of diary-keeping? But his discussions of daily life are invaluable to lovers of history.

[@Eminnsener]

20 women is a lot?..in only 9 years?

[@counter10r]

I was motivated to find out more about the provenance of the Diary and how it came to be published. Bequeathed first to his nephew John Jackson, then to Magdalene College on Jackson's death in 1723, the diary's "code" was "cracked" by an undergraduate in 1819 by comparing Pepys's account of the escape of Charles II from Worcester Castle with a longhand account he had published, though someone later pointed out to him that they were in Skelton's shorthand (the manual of which was also among Pepys's books in the same collection!) Magdalene College's webpage on the Pepys Building, which houses Pepys's library (in its original bookcases!), has some fun tidbits--and even a bit of humor as to the "quality" of the building's design/construction! Interesting that the diary resided there for almost 100 years before someone successfully took the transcription of the diary in hand.

[@ladyredl3210]

I have chronic illnesses and my wife has depression, so I can confirm sometimes we get on each other's nerves more than many couples. Communication helps keep us sane, not sure the same can be said for the Pepys

[@dkirk5814]

Clicked on this right away. I listened to an audio book of Sap's life 10 years ago and some of the details are still vivid in my memory. Your presentation was flawless, as always. Many thanks.

[@mollympls]

i listened to an audiobook of the unabridged diary in summer 2020 and got so involved in the pepyses, especially elizabeth, that i really mourned their loss when it was over. when i visit london i'm absolutely going to make a point of seeing their memorial. i cried over elizabeth's death, even though it was so long ago, and thinking about her even now makes me sad. i can't explain it - i've never felt a connection like that to a historical figure, but the diary is so REAL, it's so everyday, it's what samuel was thinking, warts and all, and i love that. it reminds me that the saying "the past is like another country; they do things differently there" isn't entirely true at all.

[@renastone9355]

I was dismayed that the diary ended before Elizabeth's death so we have no information about what led up to it or how Samuel took it (I expect poorly). I have wondered if we have surviving letters of his in which he speaks of it? (My daughter, knowing my obsession, gave me a book purportedly telling the story from Elizabeth's point of view - called "Poor Wretch." Sadly, not as well writen as the diaries. )

[@dantaylor332]

Dr Kat, I would love to see you do an episode on Henry 8th's fool, William Sommers. I heard he was the only one allowed to tell the king the truth although sometimes using humor to do so. Besides his story and his relationship with Henry and the other Tudors, generally the role and history of the position of the fool in the English court.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Wasn't he supposedly Henry VIII half brother, is is that merely a myth?

[@dantaylor332]

@@jeraldbaxter3532 Really!? I did not know that! The relationship between he and Henry is fascinating

[@shelley2he844]

Have you read the book 'the autobiography of Henry VIII' by Margaret George. Its written as if Henry himself wrote a journal of his life story and Will is a kind of narrator reading it and commenting. It's a fine book 900 odd pages, I really enjoyed it. Margaret George also wrote a fabulous account of Elizabeth I called 'Elizabeth', also a 900 pager. If you haven't read them I highly recommend. Shakespeare, Letice knolleys, Bacon's both senior and junior and many others make an appearance in the elizabeth book. I loved it so much I've read it 4 times 💯❤️

[@sandrag3854]

Very interesting. Pepys the Petticoat Pepper was creepy by our 21st century standards but his behaviour was fairly typical of the time. Stories like these remind me of how the women were treated in the past and I am thankful we have progressed significantly since then. I love history and think we are so fortunate that resources like this diary to learn from. I am so pleased I came across your channel several months ago so that I may continue to explore the past. Your research and delivery of the information is so witty and thorough. Thank you Dr. Kat for sharing your love of history with us!

[@--enyo--]

I was actually going to ask how typical his behaviour was for the time. Do we have many other primary sources from the time?

[@slinky.blackcat9965]

@@--enyo-- yeah, I would like to know this too. In a time where childbirth could be fatal, disease was common, and virginity was important, I doubt that this behaviour was socially acceptable by everyone. Maybe like today, the people who feel entitled to do so, do it, and the rest of us dislike them for it?

[@ninaradio]

We know he was a gross horndog and can safely assume he was having titillating thoughts in this incident, but it is also good to remember that these undergarments were not quite as private as ours are now. Women’s fashion of the day displayed the neckline, hem and sleeves of the petticoats quite prominently. That lace was meant to be seen by anyone who saw her when she was fully dressed. So him looking at her smocks wasn’t quite the invasion of privacy it would be for a man to be seeking out a woman’s bra and panties now, even if his dirty mind did clearly cross more than a few lines in the process.

[@Tsumami__]

@@slinky.blackcat9965 childbirth is still fatal in 2022.

[@Tsumami__]

@@--enyo-- in an era when women had even less rights than we do now, I would think it was not uncommon for males to think it was quite alright to do things then that would net them time in jail today. Samuel just recorded it.

[@imnotsuspiciousyouresuspic3095]

"it's gross and I know about it and I want you to know about it too" i laughed out loud and scared the dog.

[@ReadingthePast]

What can I say… sharing is caring 🤣🤣🤣

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

Pausing at 04:20 to say I really appreciate the trouble you take to thoroughly explain things other presenters would skip over. I've meant to convey this for a while, but I'm sorry, you're so interesting and get my brain working so much I'm either commenting(at length) on the content or gourging on the brain fodder!. You've given a perfect example with the trouble you're taking to explain the old and new calendars, but you do it all the time. A lot of historians, not just on YT, tend to the style of "it was established..."; "It seems that.." leaving us howling "Why?//how?//what's your source?" but you never do that. It's appreciated.

[@renastone9355]

Yes - I have finished the (Wheaton ed.) diary and have wondered the whole time about the dates, e.g., "1663/64." So helpful having this explanation.

[@stephanieking4444]

Samuel Pepys provides an interesting individual story set in a very interesting transitional period. Of course his diary still fascinates. I loved your focus on his misbehaviours as a husband whilst being jealous of his wife (hypocrisy much, eh) and also the reminder of how the diary can be used as a source concerning politics of the times, especially the Restoration year. Pepys was clearly ambitious and in his days that meant being as close to royalty as possible. Clearly royalty were the celebs of the time. People like Pepys wanted to talk about anything, anything at all, that would frame them as close to royalty. That is why the very creepy moments concerning kissing a royal corpse and looking at Castlemaine's undies actually really represent some of the vibe of that time.

[@ShallowApple22]

You literally are the BESt story teller I love love love your videos the way you tell them is so entertaining I feel like I’m sat talking to an old friend who is full of wonderful information THANK YOU Kat ❤️

[@yensid4294]

I don't exactly know who this guy is historically, this is the first I've heard of him. But I must say he had huge balls to keep such a detailed diary during this volatile time in British history where he actually expressed his honest opinions about those in power & the ruling monarch in writing. That wasn't without risk & he was apparently smart enough to know that & write it in code. Fascinating. I wonder how common it was for people of that time to keep a private journal or diary knowing that it could be stolen & used against them by any political enemies they may have had or simply used for blackmail. Probably why more people in high positions didn't keep a personal journal/diary which is too bad for historians. It would be amazing to know what certain historical figures really thought during their trials & tribulations & betrayals & imprisonments, etc. Especially the women who seem to get the Madonna/Whore treatment with a narrative of Innocent Victim with no power, used by the men in her life or else a scheming social climbing witch who uses her charms on men to gain wealth & power. I'd like to know Cleopatra's, Marie Antoinette's, Anne Bolyn's Catherine the Great's & many others side in their own words

[@renastone9355]

Pepys not only wrote in code, but when he was writing about his various "amours, " he would often slip into French or some other language than English, I suppose as insurance to make sure Elizabeth wouldn't be able to figure out what he had been up to...

[@SallyRobinson-pg9rq]

My grandmother bought the 10 volume Pepys' Diary and Correspondence in September 1957 for what appears to be $35. She owned so few books that I marvel that this would have been a choice for her. I wish I could have talked with her about her obvious love of history...maybe that is where I got the gene. After her death, these books were in my parent's bookcase and have recently moved to mine. Thank you, Dr. Kat, for giving me an overview of what the books contain.

[@obcl8569]

I. Am. So. Excited!!! Let's go!

[@LusiaEyre]

I found the calendar insights at the beginning very interesting. And why Financial year starts 06/04 - never gave it much thought before. Maybe a video on things that made sense historically but are now just "leftovers" no one thinks about twice would be interesting?

[@janebaker966]

That was enjoyable listened to read out. In our house we had the Everyman edition 2 volumes,this is the cleaned up version. One day when I took it off the bookshelf to glance into I found it captivating. The most funny diary entry (IMO) is the one where several months after the Fire of London he goes back to his father's garden,in Huntingdonshire I think,to dig up the gold and the cheese he buried there but no one can identify the correct spot. They spend hours fruitlessly digging everywhere. A good,special cheese costs a fortune nowadays so I get why he wanted to save his one. However one day in recent years I came upon a more modern unexpurgated version. I only read one entry but found it so horrid,in that he got in the maids bed,it was Deb Willett actually and waited for her to come to bed. When she got in her room after a good 12 hours housework,she saw the master in her bed. She sat in her chair for several hours but eventually had to get in bed...that was sinister and horrible and abuse so it put me off him and reading any more. Incidentally I also follow on KZbin (Mapperton) Luke + Julie Montagu who are the heirs,well Luke is,of Pepys employer.

[@annemorton5236]

I'm a Pepys fan - I have a complete set of the Latham & Matthews edition of the diaries. By coincidence I was telling a friend of mine earlier today about the diary and giving advice about how to find it online for daily reading, suggesting Claire Tomalin's biography, etc. When I saw that Pepys was the subject of this week's video I thought I'd recommend it to him as an introduction. I don't think I will for fear that it might put him off Pepys! While I'm glad not to have been Sam's maid or shared a pew with him, his diary is one of the treasures of the English language.

[@denisehill7769]

Thank you so much for this, I loved it 🙂 I've wondered whether Pepy's being "cut of the stone" led to his infertility, or whether Elizabeth had endometriosis (in addition to her recurring cyst, poor lady). I love Pepy's honesty; he said it as it was, even when describing situations that put him in a poor light. I've sat here stitching and giggling; what a great way to round off the afternoon. XXX

[@bogarte7185]

I believe he had a 'housekeeper' later in life she never had children either

[@ReadingthePast]

He certainly doesn’t appear to have fathered any children and so, considering how he spent his time, it seems likely that he was infertile.

[@bogarte7185]

@@ReadingthePast I have a friend called Gillian Bagwell (relation to Mrs Bagwell maybe?) who has written a book called 'The Darling Strumpet' about Nell Gwyn, I think Sam makes an appearance in it

[@francescascanlan4549]

@@bogarte7185 oh yes, I enjoyed that book!

[@avalondreaming1433]

As we judge someone with our 21st century eyes, so shall we be judged by future generations.

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

I clicked straight away when I saw my notifications! Dude was a bit of a creeper, I have to say! But it's amazing how honest he is about all sorts of things- his relationship with his wife, at times seems very contradictory; he loves her, yet pursued multiple women- from his own maids, to complete strangers - & yet there are times where he thinks twice about a pursuit, being concerned/ afraid of her reaction- & is reduced to a 'shivering wreck' by her cool fury, on an occasion where he gets caught out, & he leaves off his womanising for a time as a result. And yet there's also occasions where his behaviour is downright cruel; she reads out a letter to him, listing her litany of complaints about him (he'd burnt the other one without reading it)- he's mortified that she would comit such private issues to paper, & destroys it, along with other correspondence of hers- including love letters _he_ wrote to her during their courtship, & records her great distress. He later writes of his regret, but there's nothing to be done about it. It really is such a unique insight into a *fascinating* time, a marriage, & an individual of that time, as well as how they lived their life..

[@catherinerobson5482]

Bless you, been 30 years since first I read Pyps...excellent!

[@marksadler4104]

Hi Dr. Kat, this is of great interest to me as an ancestor of mine Sir John Knight, Sargeant Surgeon to Charles ii (my 10th great uncle) was a good friend of Samuel Pepys. Sargeant Surgeon is considered nowadays to be the post of Chief Medical Officer....According to Sir John's will " I give and bequeath to my good and Kinde friend Samuell Pepys Esquire three volumes of Golzius Viz.(i) Icones Imperatorum Roman. (ii) de Numismat. Imp. Juli. Agusti et Tiberi. and (iii) Scilia et Magn Graeccia." The name of Sir John Knight has been mentioned in Samuel Pepys diary's. Sir John undertaken the examination of the remains recovered in 1674 of the Princes in the tower.

[@silkwormandcottontails803]

Another interesting and humorous post . I do like your style Dr Kat , you say what we are probably thinking ! I wonder where he kept his diaries , with so many personal comments he was obviously confident no one else could peep !

[@justintai8725]

Absolutely fascinating. I knew about Samuel from his enthusiasm and witness of the first recorded Punch and Judy show in Covent garden in 1662 . From Wikipedia: Mr. Punch made his first recorded appearance in England on 9 May 1662, which is traditionally reckoned as Punch's UK birthday.[4] Punch and Judy began to emerge during the Restoration Period (beginning in 1660),[5] a period during which art and theatre thrived. King Charles II took the throne in 1660 and replaced Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell, and theatre culture began to change. Cromwell strictly adhered to the Puritan belief that theatre was immoral and should be banned, resulting in their closure in 1642. Charles II's ascension to the throne ended the interregnum and ushered in a more tolerant period of art and culture.[6][7] The diarist Samuel Pepys observed a marionette show featuring an early version of the Punch character in Covent Garden in London. It was performed by Italian puppet showman Pietro Gimonde, a.k.a. "Signor Bologna." Pepys described the event in his diary as "an Italian puppet play, that is within the rails there, which is very pretty."[8]

[@cherylbarr2779]

Kenneth Branagh’s reading of the diaries is fantastic

[@theclassicso8094]

I loved this presentation. You always give a wonderful perspective of these historical events. Thank you so very much.

[@maisondusuave]

Adore Pepys. Fascinating.

[@timefoolery]

I have always been fascinated with Samuel. His diary is utterly interesting!!

[@bobshort2149]

Fascinating but disturbing. Thank you, Dr. Kat, for another amazing video! ☮❤

[@shirlski]

Really interesting. One of my favourite parts of history.

[@Wosiewose]

Mr. Pepys doth give me ye crepys...

[@katyp.2495]

I remember my old school history teacher saying something along those lines, many years ago. She certainly wasn't a fan of Sam!

[@molotovmary24]

really enjoyed!

[@paulleverton9569]

29:34 Anyone else think that Pepys looked a lot like Waldamar Januszczak?

[@maryjordan7649]

First person accounts of history are always interesting! THanks..your videos are Pepys worthy.🤗

[@Kamila_Koziol]

I've read the abridged version (the only translation available here) a few years ago. It's an interesting read, I remember his problematic sexcapades well, but I also remember him burying the cheese and wine in 1666, and tea tasting. I generally enjoyed the read. But what I enjoyed the most was his book escapades and recommendations, that guy loved to read, and I appreciate it. I love the glimpse into the XVIIth century he gives us.

[@irenebarlow8865]

I’m listening to his diary now and this was really helpful. Thank you.

[@Laceycrochet]

Thoroughly enjoyed as always, thanks Dr Kat xx🇬🇧

[@wwaitkus]

This has nothing to do with Pepys, the man who treasured his Parmesan cheese more than his wife, but I'm always curious about the books that appear in presenters' backgrounds. I'd love for Dr. Kat, or any other presenter to point out the favorites among them and explain why. That said, when I'm participating in the modern ritual of sharing my diet on social media, or giving menu/dinner options to the family, I almost always include the Pepys phrase, "And all things noble and mighty to my great content." Bet that greasy old perv wouldn't imagine that particular phrase making almost half a millennium past his entry.

[@melodyjohnson2554]

Enjoyed listening to the readings of Samual Pepys diary! Thank you !👍

[@lauramarles8445]

Thank you so much Dr Kat! It's always a pleasure to listen and watch.

[@metalsomemother3021]

As sexual pain a subject that I know much about, I doubt that Elizabeth's pain was a recurring Bartholins Abscess. I haven't read the text, but if she always had pain with penetration, not likely Bartholins. More likey a skin issue like lichen planus or sclerosus, eczema, psoriasis, or a sexually transmitted infection. Given that Pepys also had "issues" my money would be on an STI, like chlamydia. Chlamydia would have rendered them both infertile

[@annfisher3316]

His diary is definitely something l want to explore, what an entertaining way to learn more about his Era. Great video!

[@happygrandma5637]

Can anyone tell me if I hit the Like button on a vlog that's old does that help the vlogger? Sometimes you find a vlog after it's been going for a year or more and I never know if "liking" something that old helps the algorithm. As usual lots of stuff I never knew delivered in an enjoyable way. I never knew that about the calendar. So, if I read that someone was born on April 16, 1455 that would be an old date and not necessarily what we would think was April16th?

[@danacomstock7598]

“Petticoat peeper” - I’m screaming!😂 Obsessed with your content! Ty!

[@silva7493]

This is so cool. Right from the horse's mouth (or pen, rather). I love it!!

[@silva7493]

@@markanderson0022 Very well thank you, Robert.

[@silva7493]

@@markanderson0022 Would you care to have a guess?

[@silva7493]

@@markanderson0022 Very close. I'm from California. And yourself? Where are you from? I feel that it's farther away than Texas, but I have no idea.

[@renastone9355]

I stumbled upon the first 15 volumes of the Wheaton diary last year ($6/each, so I bought it) - and was dismayed to find out it wasn't complete. So for Mother's Day this year, my husband and adult children were able to find the complete 18 volumes. Vol. 18 is an index, so I was expecting 17 to be the last volume - was dismayed when he ended it at the end of 16 with the sad note of his expectation of going blind ... I have enjoyed reading him (and my family is sick of hearing what "Sam" has been up to) ... Even with his obvious flaws, he was an engaging person and certainly an entertaining raconteur....

[@renastone9355]

Aaargghgh - Wheatley, not Wheaton.

[@okiejammer2736]

Your vlogs on Friday are anticipated and appreciated. Always well researched and always entertaining. Thanks much!

[@TheShmoo123]

I loved reading this diary, it was many moons ago now but I still think about it. thank you so much for taking the time explain lots of things I hadn’t known while reading it myself, so interesting. 👍🏽🙋🏽‍♀️

[@sh236]

Ahhh, my favorite work distraction channel! Hi, Dr. Kat!

[@historybuff7491]

Ouch! I have had kidney stones removed with anesthetics and it is painful: before and after. I can only imagine this with pain: before, during, and after...Ouch! doesn't cover it.

[@ReadingthePast]

There’s a suggestion that the wound never fully closed either… but he still celebrated 😱

[@historybuff7491]

@@ReadingthePast Wow!

[@theresalaux5655]

What a colorful character!! Thank you!

[@roseaton7958]

Hi in my family tree one of my ancestors was Pepys scribe which I can trace.

[@catherinewood948]

Thank you. Most enlightening!!

[@lafemmerouge4271]

You are so close to 100K! How exciting! Congrats.

[@Myke_OBrien]

Fascinating as always! Thank you for this glimpse into the past.

[@ronaldfeldman8593]

Hi Dr Kat. Great video. I recently watched the BBC show "The Secret Life of Samuel Pepys" and you've provided a very interesting historical background.

[@kae5717]

We discussed this one in high school. The other kids loved it~

[@karenbaird8795]

Thank you for such an interesting reading🌺

[@jldisme]

Thank you very much for the video, and also for sharing the Pepys website.

[@reinadegrillos]

Always interesting information. Thank you.

[@gbarbecue2399]

I added my thumbs up purely because of your introduction with the explanation of the various calendar styles. I absolutely did not know that the years used to start on Ladies Day. 🤩 Fascinating, thank you.

[@jennierayner2152]

Had to pause the video because the story of his wife becoming ill after drinking cold beer reminds me of a tombstone I saw outside Winchester Catherdal - a soldier who died from drinking "a pot of small beer whilst hot." I couldn't fathom it, but I guess it was a thing? I'll never forget the little rhyme at the bottom either - "An honest soldier is never forgot, whether he die by musket or by pot." Oh, to be so well remembered...anyway...onward...

[@joanhuffman2166]

His diary is available on Audible too.

[@SuperDare83]

Wow what a life, I was aware of his diary but assumed his life ended shortly after his last entry…how wrong was I! Imagine how rich a primary source this would have been if he’d carried it on!

[@susandouglas4470]

Thank you very much for your presentation! I have been reading his diary for a few months now and before this I read a book on SP by Claire Tomalin. I love reading his account and it's very informative. I think his constant encounters or harassment of women was par for the course back then AND sadly still is. I don't doubt that he loved Elizabeth his young pretty wife , and there was an occasion when she bought some earrings and he was annoyed about it. She had her maid Besse? take them back. Pepys must've followed her and he told her to take them back to her Mistress. Apparently it was enough for him that his wife had 'given in'. I thought this episode showed how mean he could be with her. It was okay for him to spend money on all kinds of things for himself , but he grudged her those earrings. He was VERY jealous of her, almost as if she were another of his precious 'objects'. He was hypocritical really! So many instances of this. But as an historical document, it is brilliant and we are VERY fortunate that it's available to us!

[@jfs59nj]

I confess this was all new to me. It’s fascinating!

[@gwynwellliver4489]

I read a much redacted version of Pepys diaries in high s hool. I should revisit these as I have read a bit more Stuart history lately. Why does no one, except serious historians, remember to refer to William of Orange's relationship by blood to the Stuart's. It drives me batty, like he is a nonentity or a spare.

[@nokomarie1963]

I strongly think women were constantly under a sort of prurient assault by men through a good chunk of history. Mr. Pepys was not actually all that unusual. For a really awful example, read Boswell's London Journal. In it, he describes himself as assaulting a streetwalker (we have no idea if she was any such thing) and then tossing her into the arms of a pack of drunken rouges when she resisted. It's deeply chilling.

[@eileencorcoran3090]

I love his diaries

[@carolking6355]

I have all nine volumes which I read when I was young and at university. I thought this a one sided very salacious reading.

[@Anna_Key]

Eek, a Bartholin Cyst! I think the only people who know about those things have had one. I had never heard of it until I got one... and it WAS DREADFUL!!! 😱😱

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

As someone who has had complicated health problems pertaining to those nether regions, I'm off to Google. I already know I will regret it! Okay, I'm back. I don't regret it...interesting...makes me wonder about misdiagnosis in my younger days tbh

[@grannyg4916]

Really enjoyed this

[@manutdrule09]

What a brilliant video.

[@sarapanzarella97]

This reappeared in my feed even though I watched it when it first came out. While watching again I realized that I may have a copy of this. And I do! I live in the states, my dad gave me his collection of Hardy Boys books and about 8 older books, all bound in dark brown. But one is a little bigger than the others and it is Samual Pepys diary - copyright 1932, edited by Willis L. Parker. It says in the beginning, “the editor has concentrated and emphasized the points of high interest”. I was reading along to your video and noted my version is a more pg version of his encounters with his maid Deb. I have no idea how my dad came to have this book!

[@ericagerrard2099]

I thoroughly enjoyed that. I read Pepys 20 plus years ago at Uni. The only thing that seemed to stick was the burial of the Parmesan cheese in the yard.

[@DavidBrowningBYD]

The only other mention I’ve seen of Pepys focused on his social climbing and his great love of food, especially posh food. This is a fascinating contrast.

[@megwyn1611]

The Australian Financial year is July 1 - June 30. We're weird apparently

[@BixLives32]

I'm a Pepys Person. -read it all, and all once more. I am still re-reading Samuel Pepys' DIary. If you possess the diary bug (you must be born with the disease), then remember to record everything and be more honest than you are to yourself. Think of your diary as Jesus (or Moses) taking your confession. Note that Mrs Pepys (Lizzie), when Sam's eyes began to fail, tried her hand at a diary, but she did not do well. She began recording events before they happened and making corrections days after an event! Diaries do not work that way for Historians. Where would we be without Anne Frank, Theo and Vincent's letters, and 'ole Pepysie? As I am not an historian 400 or 500 years hence, I cannot say how much of a success your diary is. However, IF you are painfully honest and thorough, some future Historian like me is gonna' read every word closer than you did when you wrote the words. Don't forget. The Truth, The Whole Truth and nothing but the TRUTH. If you can write a little, are faithful, diligent and HONEST, Historians are gonna' read your Diary!

[@nichola607]

Always glad when you upload a video :)

[@susannahbsmith8685]

Phenomenal presentation, thank you so much!

[@GiftSparks]

Does anyone else hum the theme song when these videos play?

[@erinnolte1116]

Please do a video on Eustace Chapuys!

[@johnraggett7147]

Dr. Kat, thank you once again and greetings from Leipzig. Do you know, is it true what I read somewhere, that Pepys liked to escape the noise and stink of London by going into the country and that his two favourite places of rural tranquility were the beautiful villages of Islington and Hammersmith?

[@ReadingthePast]

Hello, thank you for watching and commenting ☺️ so Pepys only mentions Hammersmith a couple of times in the diary but he mentions goes to Islington much more often.

[@johnraggett7147]

@@ReadingthePast Thank you, Dr. Kat.

[@tonyausten2168]

I thank Samuel Pepys for leaving us his Diary. Although, i am not a fan of his, i appreciate the amazing fortune of his documented history visa vis his Diaries.

[@mickeyidaho6174]

Enjoy your presentations so much. Would love to hear a presentation about Bishop Steven Gardner!!

[@paddypaddy7276]

Dr. Kat, can you do videos on the Kit Kat Club and the Beauties of Hampton Court? I found these portrait paintings fascinating and want to know more!!!

[@nickimontie]

I remember portions of Pepys' diary being required reading in high school, but those parts were not as interesting as these! Even later in college, assigned selections weren't nearly as attention getting as these selections!

[@jendnola2038]

This is absolutely spectacular!

[@webbtrekker534]

I have read the complete translated diary and enjoyed it though it did become tedious at times. He and John Evelyn were known to each other so I got Evelyns diary but that was not nearly as good as Pepys. 40 years later I have yet to finish it.

[@freedpeeb]

Pepys is a creep. I am grateful that his diary survived, however. He is honest and we would probably find him a bit simple today. This gives the diary reader a peeping tom kind of feeling that is fascinating if often repulsive.

[@ReadingthePast]

Yes, it feels slightly taboo but you are compelled to read on!