# March 1660–61 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys records a busy period of naval administration, social visits, and theatre-going. He resolves a dispute over the purveyor's place, dines with colleagues, and attends plays including 'Love's Mistress', 'King and No King', and 'The Bondman'. He notes political tensions over the London election of Anabaptist MPs and the anti-Bishop sentiment. Personal matters include his wife's new teeth, his own stone anniversary, and beginning work on his stairs. He also borrows money and secures a bond for £500.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys works on naval accounts, resolves purveyor dispute, and secures money via bill of exchange.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys is increasingly thoughtful about getting money; he borrows £1,000 for Lord Sandwich and secures his own bond.

### Theatre and Public Entertainment

Pepys attends multiple plays including 'Love's Mistress', 'King and No King', 'The Spanish Curate', 'The Bondman', and 'Rollo'.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys oversees workmen on his stairs, gives old clothes to his brother, and celebrates three years since his stone operation.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Diary entries covering work, social life, and personal reflections.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Gets her teeth redone by La Roche; falls and hurts her knees; keeps to her chamber unwell.

### Sir William Batten

Dines with Pepys, goes to Rochester for Parliament election, hosts collation and dancing.

### Sir William Penn

Attends meetings with Pepys, teaches Coventry about Jamaica, joins in dancing.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Pepys dines with him, discusses accounts, signs bond for £500, sings and fiddles.

### Sir William Coventry

Dispute over purveyor's place resolved; Pepys does business with him.

### Mr. Creed

Tells Pepys of his amours at Portsmouth; attends theatre and alehouse with him.

### Mr. Sheply

Works on Lord Sandwich's accounts with Pepys; attends theatre.

## Key lines

> I do find myself to become more and more thoughtful about getting of money than ever heretofore.

Pepys notices he is increasingly preoccupied with earning money.

_Reflects growing financial ambition._

> It do make people to fear it may come to worse, by being an example to the country to do the same. And indeed the Bishops are so high, that very few do love them.

The election of Anabaptist MPs in London alarms people, as it may inspire similar results elsewhere, and reflects widespread dislike of the bishops' arrogance.

_Political and religious tension over episcopal authority._

> This is my great day that three years ago I was cut of the stone, and, blessed be God, I do yet find myself very free from pain again.

Pepys marks the third anniversary of his successful stone surgery, grateful to remain pain-free.

_Personal milestone and gratitude._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1660-61
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters