The Diary · Chapter
August 1667 explained
In August 1667, Pepys navigates domestic tensions with Elizabeth over his attentions to Mrs.
What happens
In August 1667, Pepys navigates domestic tensions with Elizabeth over his attentions to Mrs. Knipp, while managing naval business, including financial dealings with Mr. Gawden and retrenchment discussions with Sir William Coventry. He enjoys a country outing to Barnet and visits the playhouse, where he hears gossip about Nell Gwyn's fall from favor. Political intrigue surrounds Lord Chancellor Clarendon's uncertain fate, as the King and Duke of York meet to decide his office.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys engages in financial transactions with Mr. Gawden and discusses retrenchments with Sir William Coventry, reflecting the ongoing management and corruption within the Navy.
Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
Elizabeth's jealousy over Pepys's flirtation with Mrs. Knipp and her reproaches about his physical intimacy highlight marital tensions and gender dynamics.
Political Intrigue and Restoration
The uncertain fate of Lord Chancellor Clarendon, with the King and Duke of York meeting privately, underscores the political maneuvering of the Restoration era.
Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends multiple plays, notes the empty houses, and gossips about Nell Gwyn's fall from favor, illustrating the social role of theatre.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his daily activities, including office work, playgoing, and domestic disputes with his wife.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Expresses jealousy over Pepys's attention to Mrs. Knipp and engages in heated discourse; later enjoys a country outing to Barnet.
- Sir William Penn
Dines with Pepys and accompanies him to the playhouse and St. James's.
- Sir William Batten
Hosts Pepys for dinner and discusses political news about Lord Chancellor Clarendon.
- Sir William Coventry
Discusses naval retrenchments with Pepys and Mr. Gawden at St. James's.
- Mr. Hewer
Accompanies Pepys to the office and later hosts him at his lodging in Barnet.
- Mrs. Pierce
Sits near Pepys at the playhouse and interacts with him during the intervals.
- Mr. Gawden
Pays Pepys over £400 for Tangier profits and victualling, and discusses naval service.
Key passages
“At noon my wife and I dined at Sir W. Penn’s, only with Mrs. Turner and her husband, on a damned venison pasty, that stunk like a devil.”
Pepys and his wife dined at Sir William Penn's with the Turners, eating a foul venison pie that smelled terrible.
Highlights the unpleasant dining experience and social customs.
“My wife out of humour, as she always is, when this woman is by.”
Elizabeth was in a bad mood, as she always is when Mrs. Knipp is present.
Reflects Elizabeth's jealousy and ongoing marital discord.
“I had much matter of joy by this morning’s work, receiving above £400 of him, on one account or other; and a promise that, though I lay down my victualling place, yet, as long as he continues victualler, I shall be the better by him.”
Pepys was delighted to receive over £400 from Mr. Gawden and a promise of future benefits even after leaving his victualling post.
Illustrates Pepys's financial gains and patronage networks.
“It is said also that my Lord Chancellor answers, that he desires he may be brought to his trial, if he have done anything to lose his office; and that he will be willing, and is most desirous, to lose that, and his head both together.”
Lord Chancellor Clarendon reportedly said he wants a trial if accused, and is willing to lose both his office and his life.
Captures the high-stakes political drama surrounding Clarendon.
