# January 1666–67 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1666-67
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters