The Diary · Chapter
July 1660 explained
Pepys secures his patent as Clerk of the Acts, moves into his new Navy Office lodgings, and navigates the early days of the Restoration court, all while managing his finances, his wife, and his growing responsibilities.
What happens
Pepys secures his patent as Clerk of the Acts, moves into his new Navy Office lodgings, and navigates the early days of the Restoration court, all while managing his finances, his wife, and his growing responsibilities.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys begins his official duties at the Navy Office, signs bills for the first time, and navigates the politics of appointments and lodgings.
Social Ambition and Class
Pepys wears his first silk suit, worries about the cost of his patent, and is anxious about his social standing and future prospects.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys spends heavily on clothes, plate, and his patent, and borrows sheets from Mr. Howe, reflecting his constant financial juggling.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Busy securing his patent, moving house, and managing Lord Sandwich's affairs.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Packs up the household and is admired as the greatest beauty at a wedding.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys's patron; his bill to be made Earl of Sandwich is being processed.
- Sir William Penn
Attends Navy Office meetings and is suspected of scheming over lodgings.
- Sir William Coventry
Mentioned as a key figure in the Navy Office; Pepys buys him a piece of plate.
- Sir George Carteret
Hosts the first meeting of the Navy Officers and Commissioners.
- Mr. Creed
Pepys seeks him out to get a copy of Barlow's patent.
- Mr. Hewer
Pepys's clerk, who stays with him at the Navy Office.
Key passages
“This morning came home my fine Camlet cloak, with gold buttons, and a silk suit, which cost me much money, and I pray God to make me able to pay for it.”
Pepys receives an expensive new cloak and silk suit and prays he can afford them.
Highlights Pepys's anxiety about spending beyond his means.
“I put on first my new silk suit, the first that ever I wore in my life.”
Pepys wears a silk suit for the first time in his life.
Marks a milestone in Pepys's social ascent.
“My patent has cost me a great deal of money, about £40, which is the only thing at present which do trouble me much.”
Pepys is troubled by the £40 cost of his official patent.
Shows the financial burden of securing his position.