The Diary · Chapter
September 1667 explained
Pepys navigates political shifts, including Sir William Coventry's resignation from the Duke of York's service and the fall of the Lord Chancellor, while balancing domestic life, visits to Bartholomew Fair, and naval administration.
What happens
Pepys navigates political shifts, including Sir William Coventry's resignation from the Duke of York's service and the fall of the Lord Chancellor, while balancing domestic life, visits to Bartholomew Fair, and naval administration.
Themes in this chapter
Political Intrigue and Restoration
The chapter details the fall of the Chancellor, Coventry's resignation, and court factions.
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys attends to Navy Office business and discusses ship sales with the Duke of York.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys's domestic disputes, purchases, and visits to Bartholomew Fair illustrate everyday life.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records political changes, attends the Duke of York, and deals with domestic matters.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Accompanies Pepys to Bartholomew Fair and Walthamstow; buys a nightgown.
- Sir William Coventry
Resigns from the Duke of York's service, explaining his reasons to Pepys.
- Sir William Batten
Hosts a dinner at Walthamstow; discusses Coventry's departure.
- Sir William Penn
Present at Batten's dinner; his family's sluttishness is discussed.
- Sir George Carteret
Discusses the Chancellor's fall and Lord Sandwich's Wardrobe profits.
- Mr. Creed
Pepys visits his chamber before going to Whitehall.
- Mr. Hewer
Mentioned as part of Pepys's circle; not directly active in excerpts.
Key passages
“Our new Lord-keeper, Bridgeman, did this day, the first time, attend the King to chapel with his Seal.”
Bridgeman, the new Lord Keeper, accompanied the King to chapel bearing the Great Seal for the first time.
Highlights the ceremonial transfer of power.
“Sir W. Coventry called me down with him to his chamber, and there told me that he is leaving the Duke of York's service, which I was amazed at.”
Coventry privately informed Pepys of his resignation from the Duke of York's service, surprising him.
Key moment of political change.
“The King, playing at tennis, had a steelyard carried to him, and I was told it was to weigh him after he had done playing.”
The King weighed himself before and after tennis, losing 4½ pounds.
A curious royal habit noted by Pepys.