Besides the poor meal, I find the dinner with the Moncks to be one of the funniest scenes described so far in the diary. Amongst other gems: the nasty wife, tales of the hapless Du Pell shooting up his own ships, the arse-kisser-in- chief Colonel Howard comparing Albermarl’s exploits to those of Caesar, Monck playing down said feats as just the coincidence of being called back to station, but still managing to get a dig of sabre rattling in for the old Frenchies for good measure. You couldn’t make this stuff up, which is probably why Gertz was uncharacteristically taciturn today.
Very funny D and J, you both echoed my own thoughts.
There is little point morally judging Pepys actions and character 350 years later - Just sit back and enjoy the entertainment. It’s far more interesting than any modern soap opera. Clearly Pepys relationship with Elizabeth fails to stimulate him at this stage of his life and yet he does seem genuinely to be in love with Betty Mitchell. It happens in many marriages then and now. (But luckily not mine Dorothy )
In his defence, Sam does seem to have thrown in the towel on his sexless marriage. It seems like an age since he did anything more intimate with his wife than ‘lie long in bed catting’. Men in their prime have needs and he is clearly trying to get whatever he can, wherever he can. He does seem to be off the leash but I suppose divorce in those times was not really an option.
Happy Christmas to all the annotators who are keeping this second round alive. Especially Sarah for her excellent insights.
Despite much discussion of the increasing tax burden, I cannot recall our tight-fisted hero having ever complained about how it affects him directly. Which begs the question, how much he personally contributes to the war effort?
This may be posted elsewhere but, as Sam begins to pick his way through the still smouldering streets, it is nice to consider the new city which will rise from the ashes. This very old BBC History page by Dr John Schofield gives a nice summary. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/brit…
I am already beginning to imagine Sam’s consternation when fire breaks out. When push comes to shove will we get to see how much importance he attaches to these particular possessions?
100% agreed John. Sam derives his pleasure through appreciation of science and the arts, poetry, music and theatre. He is truly part of the metropolitan elite of which we hear so much derision these days.
For those interested in going a little further back into prehistory and the effects of climate change, here is a little more for Wikipedia on Doggerland https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/D…
Doggerland is the name of a land mass now beneath the southern North Sea that connected Great Britain to continental Europe. It was flooded by rising sea levels around 6,500–6,200 BC. Geological surveys have suggested that it stretched from Britain's east coast to the Netherlands and the western coasts of Germany and the peninsula of Jutland.[1] It was probably a rich habitat with human habitation in the Mesolithic period,[2] although rising sea levels gradually reduced it to low-lying islands before its final submergence, possibly following a tsunami caused by the Storegga Slide.[3]
The archaeological potential of the area had first been identified in the early 20th century, but interest intensified in 1931 when a fishing trawler operating east of the Wash dragged up a barbed antler point that was subsequently dated to a time when the area was tundra. Vessels have dragged up remains of mammoth, lion and other animals, as well as a few prehistoric tools and weapons.[4]
Doggerland was named after the Dogger Bank, which in turn was named after the 17th century Dutch fishing boats called doggers.
Comments
Second Reading
About Thursday 4 April 1667
Timo • Link
Besides the poor meal, I find the dinner with the Moncks to be one of the funniest scenes described so far in the diary. Amongst other gems: the nasty wife, tales of the hapless Du Pell shooting up his own ships, the arse-kisser-in- chief Colonel Howard comparing Albermarl’s exploits to those of Caesar, Monck playing down said feats as just the coincidence of being called back to station, but still managing to get a dig of sabre rattling in for the old Frenchies for good measure. You couldn’t make this stuff up, which is probably why Gertz was uncharacteristically taciturn today.
About Friday 29 March 1667
Timo • Link
Very funny D and J, you both echoed my own thoughts.
There is little point morally judging Pepys actions and character 350 years later - Just sit back and enjoy the entertainment. It’s far more interesting than any modern soap opera. Clearly Pepys relationship with Elizabeth fails to stimulate him at this stage of his life and yet he does seem genuinely to be in love with Betty Mitchell. It happens in many marriages then and now. (But luckily not mine Dorothy )
About Monday 25 February 1666/67
Timo • Link
Charles II silver "Peace of Breda" Medal currently changing hands for about £1100 on the coin market
About Wednesday 23 January 1666/67
Timo • Link
Not another Betty! I can’t keep up 😫
About Sunday 23 December 1666
Timo • Link
In his defence, Sam does seem to have thrown in the towel on his sexless marriage. It seems like an age since he did anything more intimate with his wife than ‘lie long in bed catting’. Men in their prime have needs and he is clearly trying to get whatever he can, wherever he can. He does seem to be off the leash but I suppose divorce in those times was not really an option.
Happy Christmas to all the annotators who are keeping this second round alive. Especially Sarah for her excellent insights.
About Tuesday 27 November 1666
Timo • Link
Despite much discussion of the increasing tax burden, I cannot recall our tight-fisted hero having ever complained about how it affects him directly. Which begs the question, how much he personally contributes to the war effort?
About Monday 17 September 1666
Timo • Link
This may be posted elsewhere but, as Sam begins to pick his way through the still smouldering streets, it is nice to consider the new city which will rise from the ashes. This very old BBC History page by Dr John Schofield gives a nice summary. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/brit…
About Monday 17 September 1666
Timo • Link
Substitute the word ‘Sam’ for ‘Language Hat’
About Friday 24 August 1666
Timo • Link
I am already beginning to imagine Sam’s consternation when fire breaks out. When push comes to shove will we get to see how much importance he attaches to these particular possessions?
About Friday 24 August 1666
Timo • Link
Who doesn’t love to WFH on a Friday?
About Wednesday 1 August 1666
Timo • Link
Good point Tony. Give it another 350 years and your average Saudi lad might be able to meet some fun loving girls and gaze upon their breasts too.
About Thursday 14 June 1666
Timo • Link
The annotations have been on point of late, none more so than today - with quotes from Genesis, Simon Cameron, Lord Byron, Batman Begins...
About Saturday 5 May 1666
Timo • Link
After 6 years reading the diary and its comments, I think Michael L’s contribution might qualify as the wittiest to date. Fine work Sir.
About Monday 2 April 1666
Timo • Link
FFWD 200 years to a future CGS giving endless OED explantions of whatever the fk ‘Kool Aid Anyone’ is supposed to mean.
About Thursday 21 December 1665
Timo • Link
Unlike the gentlemen above, I find myself applauding and cheering our boy on.
About Thursday 9 November 1665
Timo • Link
100% agreed John. Sam derives his pleasure through appreciation of science and the arts, poetry, music and theatre. He is truly part of the metropolitan elite of which we hear so much derision these days.
About Wednesday 9 August 1665
Timo • Link
For those interested in going a little further back into prehistory and the effects of climate change, here is a little more for Wikipedia on Doggerland https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/D…
Doggerland is the name of a land mass now beneath the southern North Sea that connected Great Britain to continental Europe. It was flooded by rising sea levels around 6,500–6,200 BC. Geological surveys have suggested that it stretched from Britain's east coast to the Netherlands and the western coasts of Germany and the peninsula of Jutland.[1] It was probably a rich habitat with human habitation in the Mesolithic period,[2] although rising sea levels gradually reduced it to low-lying islands before its final submergence, possibly following a tsunami caused by the Storegga Slide.[3]
The archaeological potential of the area had first been identified in the early 20th century, but interest intensified in 1931 when a fishing trawler operating east of the Wash dragged up a barbed antler point that was subsequently dated to a time when the area was tundra. Vessels have dragged up remains of mammoth, lion and other animals, as well as a few prehistoric tools and weapons.[4]
Doggerland was named after the Dogger Bank, which in turn was named after the 17th century Dutch fishing boats called doggers.
About Monday 31 July 1665
Timo • Link
Language Hat, as ever the Chairman of Pedant’s Corner
About Saturday 1 July 1665
Timo • Link
Update: A Royal Visit to the Fleet in the Thames Estuary, 1672
Read more at http://collections.rmg.co.uk/coll…
About Monday 24 April 1665
Timo • Link
Petty Bickering?