In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries unmarried women were sometimes called 'ape-leaders'.
Spinsters were thought to go to Hell for having disobeyed God's first commandment to go forth and multiply. Once in Hell the old maid's punishment would be to lead apes around.
William Shakespeare refers to this idea in "Much Ado About Nothing":
LEONATO: You may light on a husband that hath no beard.
BEATRICE: What should I do with him? dress him in my apparel and make him my waiting-gentlewoman? He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man: and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him: therefore, I will even take sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward, and lead his apes into hell.
The bear-ward is a bear-keep. There was a bear-baiting pit next door to the Globe Theater and apparently they kept apes there as well. The company borrowed the bear that was used in "The Winter's Tale", which resulted in the famous stage direction: "Exit, pursued by a bear".
By the Regency era, "ape leader" had become a slang term for "old maid".
Why apes? That's lost to time; in 400 years people may be wondering why people who like jazz were called cats, and what seeing people anon had to do with aligators and crocodiles.
And sadly LKvM, there is no such thing as a posthumous knighthood.
But rules are made to be broken ... know any MP's? It would take an act of parliament, and I suspect Pepys isn't the only deserving person throughout Britain's long history who went unrecognized. Maybe the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography could put together a 'catch-up' list, and right some wrongs without wearing out the Queen's sword arm.
"... and then by coach to see Roger Pepys at his lodgings ..."
On Wednesday, 4 November ... before Pepys got confused ... he wrote: "This day a boy is sent me out of the country from Impington by my cozen Roger Pepys’ getting, whom I visited this morning at his chamber in the Strand and carried him to Westminster Hall, where I took a turn or two with him and Sir John Talbot, ..." https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
In the past we'd know his name, whether or not he could sing, his disposition, etc. Nowadays Pepys is so focused on survival he's quite forgotten that his servants are his family. Thanks to Phil and modern technology we know the boy was Jack, and he became Pepys footboy.
I suspect Jack may be today's reason for Pepys' visit to Roger Pepys MP's home presumably also near Arundal House.
@@@ November 6, 1668 Dublin Sir George Carteret to the Navy Commissioners.
Ordered the Harp for Kinsale, but contrary winds prevented; was forced to keep his chamber with a colic, or had looked after the wind better.
Can find nobody that will advance money to pay off the men, upon bills on Lord Anglesey, or any one else; the credit must come from England, which if tey procure, Mr. Southwell of Kinsale will dispose of it according to directions. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 27.]
@@@ Nov. 6 1668. Grant to Henry Bold, B.D., of the dignity of precentor of Exeter Cathedral, and of a canonry there, void and in the King's gift by promotion of Dr. John Wilkins to the bishopric of Chester. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 19, p. 88.]
@@@ Nov. 6 1668. Grant of denization to Hamme Salings, native of Holland. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 87.]
@@@ Nov. 6 1668. Grant of denization to Sipke Douwes, native of Holland. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 87.]
@@@ Nov. 6 1668. Accounts of the Earl of Sandwich's expenses and receipts as Ambassador Extraordinary to Spain and Portugal, 1666-1668; total receipts, 18,395/. 2s. Od.; total expenses for ordinaries, 29,965/. 3s. Od.; for extraordinaries, 7,574/. 18s. 3d. With note that they were examined by the Committee for Foreign Affairs, and allowed with certain reductions. (S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 100.]
@@@ Nov. 6 1668. Plymouth John Clarke to Williamson.
A vessel from Malaga reports that Capt. Rooth, with his 2 frigates that lie before Sallee, has taken one of their men-of-war, and forced 2 or 3 more of them ashore;
50 ships have arrived outward bound, 18 or 20 of them being from Ireland and Wales, and the rest from the eastward.
One of them, the Dartmouth frigate, is to convoy some ships to Tangier, and then sail to the Canaries, to convoy home the Čanury fleet. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 28.]
And the jack was commonly powered by a Turnspit Dog:
"For much of the 17th Century, the scurrying, yapping forms of turnspit dogs could be found in almost every large house in England, churning out meat to feed hoards of knights or other important visitors. It was a wretched life – the unfortunate pooches were considered coarse, vulgar, and hideously ugly, and habitual cruelty towards them was common.
"In the colourful and occasionally mocking book Anecdotes of Dogs from 1846 (which, among other things, suggests that "The souls of deceased bailiffs and common constables are in the bodies of setting dogs and pointers"), the English writer Edward Jesse wrote that, in his youth, "as they are said to be at present, [cooks] were very cross, and if the poor animal, wearied with having a larger joint than usual to turn, stopped for a moment, the voice of the cook might be heard berating him in no very gentle terms."
"To drive home the sheer horror of the role – which involved toiling away in the almost-unbearable heat of a fire, in a kitchen choked with smoke, for hours at a time – Jesse also relates an anecdote about a group of turnspit dogs in the city of Bath which liked to congregate in the church during services to relax. One day, when the word "spit" happened to come up in a sermon, they all dashed out of the room, thinking they were about to be asked to go to work.
"But at the turn of the 19th Century, the invention of mechanical spit-turners changed everything. Rejected as pets and no longer useful as kitchen staff, the dogs abruptly vanished – going almost completely extinct as early as 1807, with their final demise some decades later."
Sir Robert Holmes "invited me and would have me go to dine with him at the Treasurer’s, Sir Thomas Clifford, where I did go and eat some oysters; which while we were at, in comes my Lord Keeper and much company; and so I thought it best to withdraw."
A politically astute move, Pepys; why open yourself up to contraversial questions over oysters if that can be politely avoided?
I wonder why Mr. Gertz didn't give us a list of probable excuses: I forgot I have a periwig fitting in 15 minutes ... I need to see a man about a horse ... Lord Keeper Bridgeman's gout remedy brings on my hayfever ...?
"I met with Sir Robert Holmes, who asking news I told him of Sir W. Pen’s going from us, who ketched at it so as that my heart misgives me that he will have a mind to it, which made me heartily sorry for my words,"
L&M Companion: "Pepys had a particular animus against him ["Major" Robert Holmes] in the early diary years because of the 'old business' -- whatever that was -- he [Holmes] had attempted on his [Pepys] wife. But the two men drew together in later life ..." (very small excerpt from long entry).
This exchange gives us an idea of how far the "drawing together" had been achieved by 1668. Pepys spoke without considering the possible consequences. There were so many other subjects he could have thrown out for conversation.
Nov. ? 1668 Petition of Honoria, widow of Capt. John Ball, to the King,
for a recommendation to a share in the lottery on behalf of her husband, who served as captain of horse under the late King, and was imprisoned; he was again in his Majesty's service at Worcester. Has 4 children, and no provision for them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 13.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Petition of Anna, widow of Sir Thos. Sherley, to the King,
for an order to place her in the list of indigent people who have a share in the plate lottery. Her busband spent blood and fortune in the late King's cause, and lost his right arm at the battle of Newbury. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 16.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Margaret Holloway to Lord [Arlington].
I am the poor widow recommended by the Earl of Northampton, and by my uncle, Sir Edw. Savage, for admittance into the lottery. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 17.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Petition of Dame Elizabeth, widow of Sir Thos. Ryves, to the King,
for a share in the plate lottery designed for suffering subjects. Her husband was Advocate-General of the late King, served him in the wars, and died broken-hearted. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 18.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Petition of Col. Mathew Wise and Capt. John Guillim to the King,
for an equal share in the plate lottery for indigent officers, which is arbitrarily denied them by the Commissioners, though they have served equally with others. Have experienced many favours from his Majesty, and are sensible that he is not weary of assisting them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 19.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Petition of the commission officers of the late King, now brethren in Sutton's Hospital, to Lord Arlington,
to prevent their exclusion from the benefit of the plate lottery, on the ground of their being sufficiently provided for, since out of the 7/. a year allowed them, they have to pay 4/. for minor house expenses, and have only 3/. left for clothes and other necessaries. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 20.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 List of 11 additional officers' widows to be received into the lottery (including Cary Heydon, Mrs. Ball, and Lady Sherley). [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 21.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Cary Heydon to Lord Arlington. Thanks for your noble favour in seconding the recommendation of Prince Rupert, so that I am put into the list of ladies and gentlewomen to be benefited by the lottery. I request you, for the sake of my children and of my father's merits, to interpose in any difficulty that may arise. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 23.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 List received from Col. Grey of 11 distressed officers who have served the late and present King, and are now private soldiers in the regiment of Guards, under Col. John Russell, doing duty at Whitehall. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 24.]
In answer to your query, I have taken learned opinion, but do not think the trustees for the lottery for indigent officers have power to dispose of any part of the profits, even with consent of the officers, without a new grant.
The specious recitals of what the King declared about the “Royal Oak” will not bear them out against his plain prohibition of other lotteries for 6 years. I cannot say how far it stops the former grant of the “Royal Oak.”
With queries prefixed [by Williamson] about the powers of the trustees, and proposal for half the money to be retained by them, on giving a reasonable value to erect therewith a “Royal Oak“ lottery, in which Sir A. [Des Marces] and [Lawrence] Dupuy shall be declared to have the sole right, but that, during these 6 years, they will content themselves with half the profits. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 6.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 The trustees for the lottery for indigent officers to Lord [Arlington].
We humbly desire that as the King has referred the difference between the party and us trustees, he will hear no suggestions, but leave them and us to the referees. [10 signatures. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 7.] Nov. ? 1668 Long list of names of widows and daughters of those officers of the army who fell in the late King's service [fit to have the benefit of the plate lottery]. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 8.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Cary Heydon to Lord [Arlington].
Prince Rupert spoke to the King at Oxford for me for a copse of underwood, for the sake of my father, Sir John Heydon, Master of Ordnance to the late King, but it proved no benefit. The Prince has lately spoken to some of the Commissioners for indigent officers to give me a share in the lottery, for my father's great merit, and I find them willing. I beg your lordship to write to them on my behalf, for my father and my brother, Col. Neville's sake. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 9.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Cary Heydon to Williamson.
I have no friend among the lottery trustees but Mr. Slingsby, employed on my behalf by the Prince. I entreat you and Lord Arlington to procure me a share in the lotteries. I have nothing but what I receive from the King to keep me from starving, which is below my station as daughter of Sir John Heydon, who performed so many eminent services for the King. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 10.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Cary Heydon to Williamson.
I implore you, when the list of indigent officers comes in, to remember me for a share, the Prince having requested it from the Commissioners. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 11.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Cary Heydon to Lord Arlington.
I entreat you, for the sake of my father and my brother, Col. Neville, to give orders to Mr. Williamson for my share in the lottery. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 12.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Account by Thos. Lownes of tallies struck in the Exchequer upon the Excise, and alleged to be either burnt or lost in the fire of London, amounting to 52,161/. 15s. 2d. Sworn before C. Spelman, and attested by him. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 25.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 M. Wren to the Navy Commissioners.
Desires them to supply with small stores the Success, appointed to carry victuals to Tangier. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 26.]
@@@ Nov. 5 1668. Col. Walter Slingsby to Williamson.
I send you a copy of our patent, attested by Mr. Marsh, underlining the words upon which we ground our rule; having ample latitude in the patent; we only wish for a rule from respect to the King and Lord (Arlington). Be pleased to make and keep an abstract, that it may be a little guide to the Lords in their resolution upon the rule.
I have lost or mislaid the copy of our contract with you, and want another, with the new clause that you desire.
Endorsed [by Williamson], “The lottery." [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 2.]
@@@ Nov. 5? 1667 Declaration by the King of his grant to Jos. Williamson of a fifth in all lotteries hereafter to be granted, except plate lotteries, in lieu of shares in other lotteries given up by him. [Draft. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 3.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Note of a grant of a lottery, “Royal Oak,” in which Lord Arlington has half, Sir Jas. Dillon a fourth, and Mr. Williamson and others the remaining fourth. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 4.]
@@@ Nov. ? 1668 Proviso excepting from a warrant prohibiting lotteries that for loyal indigent officers, lately ordered to be set up for as long as they shall desire. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 5.]
Following are a collection of documents about the Royal Oak lottery:
"Mr. Montague moves for a fund for money for plate for him. The Privy Council to be moved concerning the plate for Ambassadors."
Stephane, since these two sentences appear to be looking to the future, I suspect this was Ralph Montagu petitioning for funds to be collected, as he will serve as our Ambassador to the Court of Louis XIV between 1669 and 1678. https://www.historyofparliamenton…
The practical breakdown of the victualling system during the spring and summer of 1665 led to the establishment, at Pepys' suggestion, of new machinery for keeping the Victualer up to the mark — a Surveyor of Victuals appointed at the King's charge in each port, with power to examine the Victualer's books; and a central officer in London to whom they were to report weekly[218]. [218] Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1665-6, p. 7; see also p. 11, and Diary, 14 October, 1665.
As soon as Pepys' plan was adopted, he wrote to suggest that he himself should be the new Surveyor-General of Victualling[219], and on 27 October, 1665 he accepted office[220] at a salary of £300 a year[221]. [219] Diary, 19 October, 1665. [220] Diary, 27 October, 1665. [221] Diary, 31 October, 1665.
The appointment was only temporary and came to an end at the conclusion of the peace.
While it lasted it effected a slight improvement. Pepys was pleased with the success of his arrangements, and he was complimented upon them by the Duke of York[222]. [222] Diary, 26 July, 1666.
As he had £500 a year from Gauden as well as the £300 from the King[223], he managed to do well out of the war. [223] Diary, 4 June, 1667.
The experience of the war had shewn the weak points of the one-man system, and in subsequent contracts several Victualers were associated in a kind of partnership[224], but the fundamental difficulty was one of finance, and thus merely multiplying the people did little to solve the problem. [224] See Catalogue of Pepysian MSS., i. 155.
Thus there are complaints in 1671[225], and the difficulties were greatly increased when the Third Anglo-Dutch War broke out in the spring of 1672. [225] See Catalogue of Pepysian MSS., i. 156-7.
The Victualers received such scanty payments from the Government that they had to carry on the service with their own money and credit[226], and eventually their condition in respect of funds became 'so exceeding strait' that they could not make proper deliveries[227]. [226] Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1671-2, pp. 66, 498. [227] Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1672, p. 484. For other references see pp. 31, 98, 106, 124, 453; and ib. 1673, p. 72.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4… Title: Samuel Pepys and the Royal Navy Author: J. R. (Joseph Robson) Tanner Release Date: February 24, 2015 [eBook #48353] Pages 50 and 51
War profiteering in the time of the plague, JB. The bosses and MPs were off at Oxford, Pepys was running the show alone, no one was watching the store very closely, and as we are experiencing, plagues create inflation and shortages. He could wheel and deal, and so long as the invoices in equalled the money out, who knew the details?
Today I was watching The Curse of Oak Island, Year 9, Episode 2, on the History Channel, and they found a perfect example of cannon stone shot. It was perfectly round, and about as big as a snowcone. The guys were very excited because it shows someone was shelling Oak Island before the 17th century, as cannon shot changed to being made of metal in the 17th century. 1. How on earth did they get large quantities of stone to be perfectly round and of consistent size in the 1500's? 2. I haven't found a site which explains the evolution into metal in the 1600's yet. Pouring molten lead into moulds is clearly more efficient and produces a better product. But who, when and where I don't know.
Keith J Tinkler's weather page sadly seems to have disappeared. He is an historical meteorologist, and if you Google his name you'll find all sorts of fascinating things ... but his observations on 1660's weather seems to have vanished. But I may be looking in the wrong place???
Welcome John Gadbury to our annotations ... see the box top right, "ALSO ON THIS DAY".
Mr. Gadbury was quite a character, wrote lots of pamphlets and almanacs, and changed religions as the wind blows. He will tell us about the weather today.
Pepys did receive some fixed incomes, and at the beginning of the Diary he lives on the one from being the Clerk of the Acts while he 'learned the ropes', so to speak:
"During the period of the Diary his salary as Clerk of the Acts was £350 a year; while in 1665 he was appointed Treasurer of the Tangier Commission, and from 1665 to 1667 he was Surveyor-General of Victualling with an additional £300 a year ..."
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4… Title: Samuel Pepys and the Royal Navy Author: J. R. (Joseph Robson) Tanner Release Date: February 24, 2015 [eBook #48353] Page 28
"I got the impression from earlier entries that he and his colleagues were effectively ‘self employed’ and lived off whatever income they could generate through the navy’s activities. Or, has he been receiving a regular income from the office?"
Pepys did receive some fixed incomes, and at the beginning of the Diary he lives on the one from being the Clerk of the Acts while he 'learned the ropes', so to speak:
"During the period of the Diary his salary as Clerk of the Acts was £350 a year; while in 1665 he was appointed Treasurer of the Tangier Commission, and from 1665 to 1667 he was Surveyor-General of Victualling with an additional £300 a year ..."
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4… Title: Samuel Pepys and the Royal Navy Author: J. R. (Joseph Robson) Tanner Release Date: February 24, 2015 [eBook #48353] Page 28
You're right, Timo. Pepys stopped telling us what he was worth at the end of May 1667. But I don't think the "gratuities" ended, as he couldn't afford a coach then, and he can now, plus the new fireplace, etc. You might find this interesting: https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Comments
Second Reading
About Paulina Jackson (b. Pepys, "Pall", sister)
San Diego Sarah • Link
In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries unmarried women were sometimes called 'ape-leaders'.
Spinsters were thought to go to Hell for having disobeyed God's first commandment to go forth and multiply.
Once in Hell the old maid's punishment would be to lead apes around.
William Shakespeare refers to this idea in "Much Ado About Nothing":
LEONATO: You may light on a husband that hath no beard.
BEATRICE: What should I do with him? dress him in my apparel and make him my waiting-gentlewoman? He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man: and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him: therefore, I will even take sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward, and lead his apes into hell.
The bear-ward is a bear-keep. There was a bear-baiting pit next door to the Globe Theater and apparently they kept apes there as well.
The company borrowed the bear that was used in "The Winter's Tale", which resulted in the famous stage direction: "Exit, pursued by a bear".
By the Regency era, "ape leader" had become a slang term for "old maid".
Why apes? That's lost to time; in 400 years people may be wondering why people who like jazz were called cats, and what seeing people anon had to do with aligators and crocodiles.
https://blog.inkyfool.com/2010/06…
About Saturday 7 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
I think the conversation you are referring to, Mary K, is at
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
And sadly LKvM, there is no such thing as a posthumous knighthood.
But rules are made to be broken ... know any MP's? It would take an act of parliament, and I suspect Pepys isn't the only deserving person throughout Britain's long history who went unrecognized.
Maybe the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography could put together a 'catch-up' list, and right some wrongs without wearing out the Queen's sword arm.
About Friday 6 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and then by coach to see Roger Pepys at his lodgings ..."
On Wednesday, 4 November ... before Pepys got confused ... he wrote:
"This day a boy is sent me out of the country from Impington by my cozen Roger Pepys’ getting, whom I visited this morning at his chamber in the Strand and carried him to Westminster Hall, where I took a turn or two with him and Sir John Talbot, ..."
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
In the past we'd know his name, whether or not he could sing, his disposition, etc. Nowadays Pepys is so focused on survival he's quite forgotten that his servants are his family.
Thanks to Phil and modern technology we know the boy was Jack, and he became Pepys footboy.
I suspect Jack may be today's reason for Pepys' visit to Roger Pepys MP's home presumably also near Arundal House.
About Friday 6 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
@@@
November 6, 1668
Dublin
Sir George Carteret to the Navy Commissioners.
Ordered the Harp for Kinsale, but contrary winds prevented;
was forced to keep his chamber with a colic, or had looked after the wind better.
Can find nobody that will advance money to pay off the men, upon bills on Lord Anglesey, or any one else;
the credit must come from England, which if tey procure, Mr. Southwell of Kinsale will dispose of it according to directions.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 27.]
@@@
Nov. 6 1668.
Grant to Henry Bold, B.D.,
of the dignity of precentor of Exeter Cathedral, and of a canonry there,
void and in the King's gift by promotion of Dr. John Wilkins to the bishopric of Chester.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 19, p. 88.]
@@@
Nov. 6 1668.
Grant of denization to Hamme Salings, native of Holland.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 87.]
@@@
Nov. 6 1668.
Grant of denization to Sipke Douwes, native of Holland.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 87.]
@@@
Nov. 6 1668.
Accounts of the Earl of Sandwich's expenses and receipts as Ambassador Extraordinary to Spain
and Portugal, 1666-1668;
total receipts, 18,395/. 2s. Od.;
total expenses for ordinaries, 29,965/. 3s. Od.;
for extraordinaries, 7,574/. 18s. 3d.
With note that they were examined by the Committee for Foreign Affairs,
and allowed with certain reductions.
(S.P. Dom., Entry Book 30, f. 100.]
@@@
Nov. 6 1668.
Plymouth
John Clarke to Williamson.
A vessel from Malaga reports that Capt. Rooth, with his 2 frigates that lie before Sallee, has taken one of their men-of-war, and forced 2 or 3 more of them ashore;
50 ships have arrived outward bound,
18 or 20 of them being from Ireland and Wales,
and the rest from the eastward.
One of them, the Dartmouth frigate, is to convoy some ships to Tangier,
and then sail to the Canaries, to convoy home the Čanury fleet.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 28.]
About Jack
San Diego Sarah • Link
And the jack was commonly powered by a Turnspit Dog:
"For much of the 17th Century, the scurrying, yapping forms of turnspit dogs could be found in almost every large house in England, churning out meat to feed hoards of knights or other important visitors. It was a wretched life – the unfortunate pooches were considered coarse, vulgar, and hideously ugly, and habitual cruelty towards them was common.
"In the colourful and occasionally mocking book Anecdotes of Dogs from 1846 (which, among other things, suggests that "The souls of deceased bailiffs and common constables are in the bodies of setting dogs and pointers"), the English writer Edward Jesse wrote that, in his youth, "as they are said to be at present, [cooks] were very cross, and if the poor animal, wearied with having a larger joint than usual to turn, stopped for a moment, the voice of the cook might be heard berating him in no very gentle terms."
"To drive home the sheer horror of the role – which involved toiling away in the almost-unbearable heat of a fire, in a kitchen choked with smoke, for hours at a time – Jesse also relates an anecdote about a group of turnspit dogs in the city of Bath which liked to congregate in the church during services to relax. One day, when the word "spit" happened to come up in a sermon, they all dashed out of the room, thinking they were about to be asked to go to work.
"But at the turn of the 19th Century, the invention of mechanical spit-turners changed everything. Rejected as pets and no longer useful as kitchen staff, the dogs abruptly vanished – going almost completely extinct as early as 1807, with their final demise some decades later."
More about extinct dog breeds, plus a photo of a preserved Turnspit Dog, at
https://www.bbc.com/future/articl…
About Thursday 5 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Sir Robert Holmes "invited me and would have me go to dine with him at the Treasurer’s, Sir Thomas Clifford, where I did go and eat some oysters; which while we were at, in comes my Lord Keeper and much company; and so I thought it best to withdraw."
A politically astute move, Pepys; why open yourself up to contraversial questions over oysters if that can be politely avoided?
I wonder why Mr. Gertz didn't give us a list of probable excuses: I forgot I have a periwig fitting in 15 minutes ... I need to see a man about a horse ... Lord Keeper Bridgeman's gout remedy brings on my hayfever ...?
About Thursday 5 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"I met with Sir Robert Holmes, who asking news I told him of Sir W. Pen’s going from us, who ketched at it so as that my heart misgives me that he will have a mind to it, which made me heartily sorry for my words,"
L&M Companion: "Pepys had a particular animus against him ["Major" Robert Holmes] in the early diary years because of the 'old business' -- whatever that was -- he [Holmes] had attempted on his [Pepys] wife. But the two men drew together in later life ..." (very small excerpt from long entry).
This exchange gives us an idea of how far the "drawing together" had been achieved by 1668. Pepys spoke without considering the possible consequences. There were so many other subjects he could have thrown out for conversation.
About Thursday 5 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Nov. ? 1668
Petition of Honoria, widow of Capt. John Ball, to the King,
for a recommendation to a share in the lottery on behalf of her husband,
who served as captain of horse under the late King, and was imprisoned;
he was again in his Majesty's service at Worcester.
Has 4 children, and no provision for them.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 13.]
@@@
Nov. ? 1668
Petition of Anna, widow of Sir Thos. Sherley, to the King,
for an order to place her in the list of indigent people who have a share in the plate lottery.
Her busband spent blood and fortune in the late King's cause, and lost his right arm at the battle of Newbury.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 16.]
@@@
Nov. ? 1668
Margaret Holloway to Lord [Arlington].
I am the poor widow recommended by the Earl of Northampton, and by my uncle, Sir Edw. Savage, for admittance into the lottery.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 17.]
@@@
Nov. ? 1668
Petition of Dame Elizabeth, widow of Sir Thos. Ryves, to the King,
for a share in the plate lottery designed for suffering subjects.
Her husband was Advocate-General of the late King, served him in the wars, and died broken-hearted.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 18.]
@@@
Nov. ? 1668
Petition of Col. Mathew Wise and Capt. John Guillim to the King,
for an equal share in the plate lottery for indigent officers, which is arbitrarily denied them by the Commissioners, though they have served equally with others.
Have experienced many favours from his Majesty, and are sensible that he is not weary of assisting them.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 19.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Petition of the commission officers of the late King, now brethren in Sutton's Hospital, to Lord Arlington,
to prevent their exclusion from the benefit of the plate lottery, on the ground of their being sufficiently provided for, since out of the 7/. a year allowed them, they have to pay 4/. for minor house expenses, and have only 3/. left for clothes and other necessaries.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 20.]
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Nov. ? 1668
List of 11 additional officers' widows to be received into the lottery (including Cary Heydon, Mrs. Ball, and Lady Sherley).
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 21.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Cary Heydon to Lord Arlington.
Thanks for your noble favour in seconding the recommendation of Prince Rupert, so that I am put into the list of ladies and gentlewomen to be benefited by the lottery.
I request you, for the sake of my children and of my father's merits, to interpose in any difficulty that may arise.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 23.]
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Nov. ? 1668
List received from Col. Grey of 11 distressed officers who have served the late and present King, and are now private soldiers in the regiment of Guards, under Col. John Russell, doing duty at Whitehall.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 24.]
About Thursday 5 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Nov. ? 1668
R. Gillingham to Williamson.
In answer to your query, I have taken learned opinion, but do not think the trustees for the lottery for indigent officers have power to dispose of
any part of the profits, even with consent of the officers, without a new grant.
The specious recitals of what the King declared about the “Royal Oak” will not bear them out against his plain prohibition of other lotteries for 6 years.
I cannot say how far it stops the former grant of the “Royal Oak.”
With queries prefixed [by Williamson] about the powers of the trustees,
and proposal for half the money to be retained by them, on giving a reasonable value to erect therewith a “Royal Oak“ lottery,
in which Sir A. [Des Marces] and [Lawrence] Dupuy shall be declared to have the sole right, but that, during these 6 years, they will content themselves with half the profits.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 6.]
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Nov. ? 1668
The trustees for the lottery for indigent officers to Lord [Arlington].
We humbly desire that as the King has referred the difference between the party and us trustees, he will hear no suggestions, but leave them and us to the referees.
[10 signatures. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 7.]
Nov. ? 1668
Long list of names of widows and daughters of those officers of the army who fell in the late King's service [fit to have the benefit of the plate lottery].
[2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 8.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Cary Heydon to Lord [Arlington].
Prince Rupert spoke to the King at Oxford for me for a copse of underwood,
for the sake of my father, Sir John Heydon, Master of Ordnance to the late King,
but it proved no benefit.
The Prince has lately spoken to some of the Commissioners for indigent officers to give me a share in the lottery, for my father's great merit, and I find them willing.
I beg your lordship to write to them on my behalf, for my father and my brother, Col. Neville's sake.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 9.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Cary Heydon to Williamson.
I have no friend among the lottery trustees but Mr. Slingsby, employed on my behalf by the Prince.
I entreat you and Lord Arlington to procure me a share in the lotteries.
I have nothing but what I receive from the King to keep me from starving, which is below my station as daughter of Sir John Heydon, who performed so many eminent services for the King.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 10.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Cary Heydon to Williamson.
I implore you, when the list of indigent officers comes in, to remember me for a share, the Prince having requested it from the Commissioners.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 11.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Cary Heydon to Lord Arlington.
I entreat you, for the sake of my father and my brother, Col. Neville, to give orders to Mr. Williamson for my share in the lottery.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 12.]
About Thursday 5 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Nov. ? 1668
Account by Thos. Lownes of tallies struck in the Exchequer upon the Excise, and alleged to be either burnt or lost in the fire of London,
amounting to 52,161/. 15s. 2d.
Sworn before C. Spelman, and attested by him.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 25.]
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Nov. ? 1668
M. Wren to the Navy Commissioners.
Desires them to supply with small stores the Success, appointed to carry victuals to Tangier.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 26.]
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Nov. 5 1668.
Col. Walter Slingsby to Williamson.
I send you a copy of our patent, attested by Mr. Marsh, underlining the words upon which we ground our rule;
having ample latitude in the patent; we only wish for a rule from respect to the King and Lord (Arlington).
Be pleased to make and keep an abstract, that it may be a little guide to the Lords in their resolution upon the rule.
I have lost or mislaid the copy of our contract with you, and want another, with the new clause that you desire.
Endorsed [by Williamson], “The lottery."
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 2.]
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Nov. 5? 1667
Declaration by the King of his grant to Jos. Williamson
of a fifth in all lotteries hereafter to be granted, except plate lotteries, in lieu of shares in other lotteries given up by him.
[Draft. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 3.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Note of a grant of a lottery, “Royal Oak,” in which
Lord Arlington has half,
Sir Jas. Dillon a fourth,
and Mr. Williamson and others the remaining fourth.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 4.]
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Nov. ? 1668
Proviso excepting from a warrant prohibiting lotteries that for loyal indigent officers, lately ordered to be set up for as long as they shall desire.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 249, No. 5.]
Following are a collection of documents about the Royal Oak lottery:
About Wednesday 11 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Mr. Montague moves for a fund for money for plate for him. The Privy Council to be moved concerning the plate for Ambassadors."
Stephane, since these two sentences appear to be looking to the future, I suspect this was Ralph Montagu petitioning for funds to be collected, as he will serve as our Ambassador to the Court of Louis XIV between 1669 and 1678.
https://www.historyofparliamenton…
About Wednesday 11 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
More about Pepys' 'good fortune' of 1665:
The practical breakdown of the victualling system during the spring and summer of 1665 led to the establishment, at Pepys' suggestion, of new machinery for keeping the Victualer up to the mark — a Surveyor of Victuals appointed at the King's charge in each port, with power to examine the Victualer's books; and a central officer in London to whom they were to report weekly[218].
[218] Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1665-6, p. 7; see also p. 11, and Diary, 14 October, 1665.
As soon as Pepys' plan was adopted, he wrote to suggest that he himself should be the new Surveyor-General of Victualling[219], and on 27 October, 1665 he accepted office[220] at a salary of £300 a year[221].
[219] Diary, 19 October, 1665.
[220] Diary, 27 October, 1665.
[221] Diary, 31 October, 1665.
The appointment was only temporary and came to an end at the conclusion of the peace.
While it lasted it effected a slight improvement. Pepys was pleased with the success of his arrangements, and he was complimented upon them by the Duke of York[222].
[222] Diary, 26 July, 1666.
As he had £500 a year from Gauden as well as the £300 from the King[223], he managed to do well out of the war.
[223] Diary, 4 June, 1667.
The experience of the war had shewn the weak points of the one-man system, and in subsequent contracts several Victualers were associated in a kind of partnership[224], but the fundamental difficulty was one of finance, and thus merely multiplying the people did little to solve the problem.
[224] See Catalogue of Pepysian MSS., i. 155.
Thus there are complaints in 1671[225], and the difficulties were greatly increased when the Third Anglo-Dutch War broke out in the spring of 1672.
[225] See Catalogue of Pepysian MSS., i. 156-7.
The Victualers received such scanty payments from the Government that they had to carry on the service with their own money and credit[226], and eventually their condition in respect of funds became 'so exceeding strait' that they could not make proper deliveries[227].
[226] Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1671-2, pp. 66, 498.
[227] Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, 1672, p. 484. For other references see pp. 31, 98, 106, 124, 453; and ib. 1673, p. 72.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
Title: Samuel Pepys and the Royal Navy
Author: J. R. (Joseph Robson) Tanner
Release Date: February 24, 2015 [eBook #48353]
Pages 50 and 51
About Wednesday 11 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
War profiteering in the time of the plague, JB. The bosses and MPs were off at Oxford, Pepys was running the show alone, no one was watching the store very closely, and as we are experiencing, plagues create inflation and shortages. He could wheel and deal, and so long as the invoices in equalled the money out, who knew the details?
About Board of Ordnance
San Diego Sarah • Link
Today I was watching The Curse of Oak Island, Year 9, Episode 2, on the History Channel, and they found a perfect example of cannon stone shot. It was perfectly round, and about as big as a snowcone.
The guys were very excited because it shows someone was shelling Oak Island before the 17th century, as cannon shot changed to being made of metal in the 17th century.
1. How on earth did they get large quantities of stone to be perfectly round and of consistent size in the 1500's?
2. I haven't found a site which explains the evolution into metal in the 1600's yet. Pouring molten lead into moulds is clearly more efficient and produces a better product. But who, when and where I don't know.
About Daily London weather descriptions
San Diego Sarah • Link
Keith J Tinkler's weather page sadly seems to have disappeared. He is an historical meteorologist, and if you Google his name you'll find all sorts of fascinating things ... but his observations on 1660's weather seems to have vanished. But I may be looking in the wrong place???
About Daily London weather descriptions
San Diego Sarah • Link
For more about the colorful John Gadbury (1627–1704), see:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/scie…
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Ga…
https://www.westminster-abbey.org…
Yes, even he is buried in St. Margaret's, Westminster.
About Wednesday 11 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Welcome John Gadbury to our annotations ... see the box top right, "ALSO ON THIS DAY".
Mr. Gadbury was quite a character, wrote lots of pamphlets and almanacs, and changed religions as the wind blows. He will tell us about the weather today.
Phil has given him a page https://www.pepysdiary.com/news/2…
About Pepys’ wealth
San Diego Sarah • Link
Pepys did receive some fixed incomes, and at the beginning of the Diary he lives on the one from being the Clerk of the Acts while he 'learned the ropes', so to speak:
"During the period of the Diary his salary as Clerk of the Acts was £350 a year; while in 1665 he was appointed Treasurer of the Tangier Commission, and from 1665 to 1667 he was Surveyor-General of Victualling with an additional £300 a year ..."
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
Title: Samuel Pepys and the Royal Navy
Author: J. R. (Joseph Robson) Tanner
Release Date: February 24, 2015 [eBook #48353]
Page 28
About Wednesday 11 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
"I got the impression from earlier entries that he and his colleagues were effectively ‘self employed’ and lived off whatever income they could generate through the navy’s activities. Or, has he been receiving a regular income from the office?"
Pepys did receive some fixed incomes, and at the beginning of the Diary he lives on the one from being the Clerk of the Acts while he 'learned the ropes', so to speak:
"During the period of the Diary his salary as Clerk of the Acts was £350 a year; while in 1665 he was appointed Treasurer of the Tangier Commission, and from 1665 to 1667 he was Surveyor-General of Victualling with an additional £300 a year ..."
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4…
Title: Samuel Pepys and the Royal Navy
Author: J. R. (Joseph Robson) Tanner
Release Date: February 24, 2015 [eBook #48353]
Page 28
About Wednesday 11 November 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
You're right, Timo. Pepys stopped telling us what he was worth at the end of May 1667. But I don't think the "gratuities" ended, as he couldn't afford a coach then, and he can now, plus the new fireplace, etc.
You might find this interesting:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…