The Diary · Chapter
April 1663 explained
In April 1663, Pepys manages his finances, records his net worth at £700, and deals with domestic and professional affairs.
What happens
In April 1663, Pepys manages his finances, records his net worth at £700, and deals with domestic and professional affairs. He buys books on anti-Catholic and Presbyterian themes, hears gossip about the King's neglect of the Queen, and confronts his father about spending. He also beats his boy for misbehavior, enjoys dancing lessons for his wife, and navigates tensions with Sir J. Minnes and Captain Holmes at the Navy Office.
Themes in this chapter
Political Intrigue and Restoration
Parliament's efforts against Popery, the King's neglect of the Queen, and the Queen mother's confessor controversy.
Naval Administration and Corruption
Disputes over defective timber at Woolwich, tensions with Captain Holmes, and Navy debt discussions.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys examines his accounts, reaches £700 net worth, and discusses his father's spending.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Dancing lessons, card games, beating the boy, and a family walk to Halfway House.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his accounts, beats his boy, buys books on religious controversy, and manages Navy business.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Begins learning to dance from Mr. Pembleton; goes on a walk with Pepys and Ashwell.
- Roger Pepys
Discusses Parliament's efforts against Popery and concerns about Nonconformists.
- Sir William Batten
His brother-in-law Captain Browne dies from a blow; Pepys visits him to see a picture drawing.
- Sir John Minnes
Swears and stamps about Commissioner Pett's defective timber, showing his foolishness.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys discusses his debt to the Navy with him.
- Mr. Creed
Walks with Pepys after visiting Lord Sandwich.
- Mr. Pierce
Advises Pepys about not disobliging commanders, regarding the Holmes feud.
Key passages
“I find myself worth full £700, for which I bless God, it being the most I was ever yet worth in money.”
Pepys calculates his total wealth at £700, the highest amount he has ever had, and thanks God for it.
Reflects his financial prudence and growing prosperity.
“I did hear that the Queen is much grieved of late at the King’s neglecting her, he having not supped once with her this quarter of a year, and almost every night with my Lady Castlemaine.”
Pepys hears that the Queen is upset because the King has not dined with her in three months and spends nearly every night with Lady Castlemaine.
Highlights the King's marital neglect and the influence of his mistress.
“Lord! how Sir J. Minnes, like a mad coxcomb, did swear and stamp, swearing that Commissioner Pett hath still the old heart against the King that ever he had.”
Sir J. Minnes furiously rants that Commissioner Pett remains disloyal to the King, acting like a foolish madman.
Illustrates the petty conflicts and incompetence within the Navy administration.