The Diary · Chapter
January 1666–67 explained
Pepys records the bitter cold and frost, the Thames frozen over, and the dire state of the Navy unable to set out a fleet due to lack of men and money.
What happens
Pepys records the bitter cold and frost, the Thames frozen over, and the dire state of the Navy unable to set out a fleet due to lack of men and money. He attends a conference between the Houses of Lords and Commons over the Wine Patent, hears of tensions about the Bill for examining Accounts, and observes the King's displeasure with Parliament. He hosts a lavish dinner at his home, impressing guests with his plate and neatness, and later attends a play and a meeting of the Royal Society at Arundell House. He also notes his father's illness and his own concerns about his eyes and health.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys discusses the Navy's inability to set out a fleet due to lack of men and money, and examines the loss of The Prince Royal, highlighting administrative challenges.
Political Intrigue and Restoration
The chapter covers the conflict between Parliament and the King over the Bill for examining Accounts, and the conference on the Wine Patent, reflecting Restoration-era political dynamics.
Social Ambition and Class
Pepys takes pride in his lavish dinner and plate, outdoing his peers, and notes Sir W. Penn's envy, illustrating social competition and ambition.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys records domestic details such as his cold, his wife's walks, the frost, and his father's illness, offering a glimpse into everyday life.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his daily activities, hosting a dinner, attending plays, and dealing with naval business.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Accompanies Pepys to a play and walks in the fields with Mrs. Penn.
- Sir William Batten
Dines at Sir W. Penn's and is invited to Pepys's dinner but is forced to dine elsewhere.
- Sir William Penn
Hosts a dinner and attends Pepys's feast, showing some envy at Pepys's plenty.
- Lord Brouncker
Dines at Sir W. Penn's and at Pepys's, later makes a poor congratulatory speech at the Royal Society.
- Sir John Minnes
Dines at Sir W. Penn's but is lame and unable to attend Pepys's dinner.
- Mr. Hewer
Mentioned as part of Pepys's office staff, though not directly active in this chapter.
- Sir W. Warren
Walks with Pepys, offering wise counsel and reporting Lord Brouncker's envious remarks about Pepys's flagons.
Key passages
“the frost being now grown old, and the Thames covered with ice.”
The frost had been ongoing for a long time, and the Thames River was frozen over.
Describes the severe winter weather conditions in London.
“I did make them all gaze to see themselves served so nobly in plate, and a neat dinner, indeed, though but of seven dishes.”
I impressed all my guests by serving them with elegant silverware and a tidy meal, even though it consisted of only seven dishes.
Pepys takes pride in his hospitality and the quality of his tableware.
“the worst play that ever I saw or I believe shall see.”
It was the worst play I have ever seen and likely ever will see.
Pepys's harsh criticism of 'The Custome of the Country'.
“I could not come honestly by them.”
I could not have obtained them through honest means.
Lord Brouncker's envious remark about Pepys's flagons, implying they were acquired dishonestly.
