"there to show me the manner of his going about of draining of fenns, which I desired much to know, but it did not appear very satisfactory to me, as he discoursed it, and I doubt he will faile in it."
If "it did not appear very satisfactory" why would Pepys "doubt he will faile in it"?
The draining of the fens had been a big deal for a couple of generations. A new pumping system would be welcomed, so perhaps Pepys thought investors would throw money at a bad idea?
"(it being a foul house to-day among my maids, making up their clothes)"
What was so foul about the maids' clothes? Since the Pepys have three new maids, and it must be cold in London now, perhaps they were sewing new winter uniforms?
Yesterday we had the pun about the Dolphin ... maybe this is a pun about fowls (birds) ... "maiden, young girl," c.1300, confused with burd (q.v.), but felt by later writers as a figurative use of bird -- Dictionary.com
There has been a dock to the east of the Tower of London for about 1,000 years. The area had a strong community, with a church (St. Katharine's By The Tower), a hospital established by Queen Matilda (wife of King Stephen) in 1148, and a school. There was employment connected to river activities, housing was dense and the area thrived through the C17th. Traffic and trade on the river continued to grow, so more people continued to moved into the area.
I just discovered that John Evelyn's first appointment to public office was in 1662, when he became a Commissioner for reforming the buildings, ways, streets, and encumbrances, and the regulation of hackney coaches in London.
"Following this by the general sexist comment "Typical man", adds nothing to our understanding or appreciation of the diary and the history it reveals!" -- I give you that one, Sasha. Not all men. But you must admit, Pepys showed his bratty side in this entry.
The streets were not safe; no police force, etc. SPOILER ALERT: They are out shopping in a few day's time, and Elizabeth is attacked as she waits in the carriage. You try defending yourself wearing a big skirt like that. Wealthy women's clothing was designed -- intentionally or unintentionally -- to make them vulnerable and helpless.
"... Sam does it partly for his own fun and learning ..."
Nah, Sam's doing it to keep her busy so she doesn't want more dancing lessons or another companion. He remembers how long it took him to master his times tables. This is the next diversion now decorating her closett and moving bedroom furniture is finished. If he could organize another flood, he probably would. This is a cheap, time-consuming occupation which involves no-one from outside the house. Not that I disapprove: She has been asking for more of his attention for a long time.
Merriam-Webster: Definition of scrivener noun pronounced: scriv·en·er \ˈskriv-nər, ˈskri-və-\ 1: a professional or public copyist or writer : scribe 2: notary public
Rhenish wines -- The modern history of Alsace-Lorraine was largely influenced by the rivalry between French and German nationalisms. Since the Middle Ages, France sought to attain and preserve its “natural boundaries“, which are the Pyrenees to the southwest, the Alps to the southeast, and the Rhine River to the northeast. These strategic aims led to the absorption of territories located west of the Rhine river. What is now known as Alsace was progressively conquered by Louis XIV in the 17th century, while Lorraine was integrated in the 18th century under Louis XV.
In the earlier times, any wine produced in the Alsace region, whether a White or a Rose type (very few if any Reds were produced in the area), would have been labeled and marketed as a Rhenish or Rhine wine. The alcohol content would have been up to 15%, due to the terrain and the method of wine making, which was more of the French method than the German method. https://timeslipsblog.wordpress.c…...
Rhenish wines -- The modern history of Alsace-Lorraine was largely influenced by the rivalry between French and German nationalisms. Since the Middle Ages, France sought to attain and preserve its “natural boundaries“, which are the Pyrenees to the southwest, the Alps to the southeast, and the Rhine River to the northeast. These strategic aims led to the absorption of territories located west of the Rhine river. What is now known as Alsace was progressively conquered by Louis XIV in the 17th century, while Lorraine was integrated in the 18th century under Louis XV.
In the earlier times, any wine produced in the Alsace region, whether a White or a Rose type (very few if any Reds were produced in the area), would have been labeled and marketed as a Rhenish or Rhine wine. The alcohol content would have been up to 15%, due to the terrain and the method of wine making, which was more of the French method than the German method.
"Farmers of the Customes" -- Terry, you were right before you were wrong. "Farmer" didn't necessarily mean working the land. You 'harvested' tithes, fees, etc. I've not found a definition, but here's a description of how Paul Pinder earned an income a little before Pepys:
"In 1624 or 1625 Pindar received ... a grant from the king of the alum farm, at an annual rental of 11,000l. This manufacture had been introduced into England in the reign of James I by an Italian friend of Pindar's, and Pindar himself applied a large amount of capital in the development and support of the works. His lease of the farm appears to have expired in 1638–9, but he is found claiming rights in the farm as late as 1648 (Hist. MSS. Comm. 7th Rep. pp. 18 a, 30 b). On 6 Dec. 1626 Pindar was appointed one of the ‘commissioners to arrest all French ships and goods in England,’ and from 1626 till about 1641 he was one of the farmers of the customs. About March 1638–9 he lent to the exchequer 50,000l., and in a news-letter of April 1639 it is stated that his recent loans had mounted up to 100,000l., ‘for this Sir Paul never fails the king when he has most need’ (cf. Carew, Hinc illæ Lachrymæ, p. 23). The money appears to have been lent to the exchequer at interest at the rate of eight per cent. per annum, and on the security of the alum and sugar farms and other branches of the revenue, which, however, after the death of Charles I were diverted to other uses."
You mention Sir Nicholas Crispe, who was not leasing any farmland, I can assure you. But those six men may have together leased the Customs "Farm".
In the above, 'farms' is used instead of more helpful nouns like factory, business, collective, or monopoly. And them that leases the 'farms' from the King are called farmers, and reap the benefits. Everyone gets his cut. For more about Paul Pinder: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Pi…
&&& ALUM - noun from Chemistry. 1. Also called potash alum, potassium alum. a crystalline solid, aluminum potassium sulfate, K 2 SO 4 ⋅Al 2 (SO 4) 3 ⋅24H 2 O, used in medicine as an astringent and styptic, in dyeing and tanning, and in many technical processes. 2. one of a class of double sulfates analogous to the potassium alum, as aluminum ammonium sulfate, having the general formula R 2 SO 4 ⋅X 2 (SO 4) 3 ⋅24H 2 O, where R is a univalent alkali metal or ammonium, and X one of a number of trivalent metals. 3. (not in technical use) aluminum sulfate.
On the subject of using the minute hand of a clock to take the Queen's pulse, according to Dirk in our own encyclopedia:
Up to the 1580s watches were made of iron, but gradually other metals were introduced such as brass & steel particularly after 1625. ... Domestic clocks were smaller versions of public clocks and came into fashion around 1500 with clocks designed by Peter Henlein which were driven by a spring. Furthermore you could carry the clocks anywhere so you could get a vague idea of the amount of time you were wasting ... All had hour hands and had no glass cover protecting the clock face. In fact, the time honored excuse "Just a minute" wouldn't have made sense prior to 1660 when minute hands first made their entrance ...
Since we know Charles II was clock-crazy, it's reasonable to think he had minute hands on some newfangled clocks at the Palace. But I wouldn't want my pulse taken by one yet.
"... I down with Mr. Coventry and in his chamber discoursing of business of the office and Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten’s carriage, when he most ingeniously tells me how they have carried themselves to him ..."
Carriage is an odd word to use here. When I was at school and being yelled every day at to stand up straight, it was called "deportment". Your "carriage" and your "deportment" were how you presented yourself ... standing tall, shoulders back. (They didn't have us walk around with books on our head, but it was almost that bad.)
Taking carriage more in that sense, Pepys and Coventry are talking about how Mennes and Batten presented themselves, going to Coventry to tell tales on Pepys to try and get him into trouble without going to the Duke, which they may do anyways ... but Coventry now has Pepys' side of the mast situation in mind.
"... one of the ladies of honour to the Duchesse (no handsome woman, but a most excellent hand)."
The Duchess must be Anne Hyde, Duchess of York. Her lady of honor, a most excellent hand? This could mean she played a mean game of poker, or one of her hands was attractive, or she was a reliable person. Pepys, you drive me crazy sometimes.
So she could be a source of information about the Queen's condition.
Also at lunch was Sir John Berkeley's wife, Christian or Christiana Riccard, daughter of Sir Andrew Riccard (a wealthy London merchant, in the East India Company); she had already been married first to Sir John Geare, and subsequently to Henry Rich, Lord Kensington, son of Robert Rich, 5th Earl of Warwick. Christina brought Berkeley an immense fortune. They had three sons and a daughter. She outlived him by many years.
Since the son of an Earl outranks a Baron, she might still have been known as Lady Kensington?? Not sure about that. Her part of their epitaph is touching:
His other felicityes were crowned By his happy marriage of Chriftina, daughter of Sr. ANDREW RICCARD A young lady of a large Dowry and yet larger Graces and Virtues. who alfo Enricht him with a moft hopefull progeny.
"Mr. Moore came, 4 or 5 days out of the country and not come to see me before, though I desired by two or three messengers that he would come to me as soon as he came to town. Which do trouble me to think he should so soon forget my kindness to him, which I am afraid he do."
How frustrating -- for us! All this anticipation of disrespect -- three messengers asking Moore to come over -- waiting 5 days -- and Pepys forgets to tell us what was so urgent. My guess is that this panic started on Tuesday when:
"... at noon with Creed to the Exchange, where much business, but, Lord! how my heart, though I know not reason for it, began to doubt myself, after I saw Stint, Field’s one-eyed solicitor, though I know not any thing that they are doing, or that they endeavour any thing further against us in the business till the term." http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1… I'm sure he didn't want to consult about his condition -- or Sandwich's response to the uprising. That was also the day the Queen got sick, so maybe the Court has been in turmoil? As usual, we will probably never know.
Can anyone remind me what was the great kindness that Pepys has done for Moore?
"... and I heard him [Batten] mutter something against him [Will] of complaint for his [Will] often receiving people’s money to Sir G. Carteret, which displeased me much, but I will be even with him [could be Batten, Will or Carteret]."
I think Sam 'will be even' with whichever one of them is misbehaving; Carteret didn't discuss this ahead of time either.
Comments
Second Reading
About Thursday 29 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
Another one got me stumped:
"there to show me the manner of his going about of draining of fenns, which I desired much to know, but it did not appear very satisfactory to me, as he discoursed it, and I doubt he will faile in it."
If "it did not appear very satisfactory" why would Pepys "doubt he will faile in it"?
The draining of the fens had been a big deal for a couple of generations. A new pumping system would be welcomed, so perhaps Pepys thought investors would throw money at a bad idea?
About Thursday 29 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
Does anyone know what "where ten good dishes to a messe" means? If they were good dishes, it wouldn't be a mess today.
About Tuesday 27 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"(it being a foul house to-day among my maids, making up their clothes)"
What was so foul about the maids' clothes? Since the Pepys have three new maids, and it must be cold in London now, perhaps they were sewing new winter uniforms?
Yesterday we had the pun about the Dolphin ... maybe this is a pun about fowls (birds) ... "maiden, young girl," c.1300, confused with burd (q.v.), but felt by later writers as a figurative use of bird -- Dictionary.com
I like that ... "it being a fowl house today ..."
About St Katharine
San Diego Sarah • Link
There has been a dock to the east of the Tower of London for about 1,000 years. The area had a strong community, with a church (St. Katharine's By The Tower), a hospital established by Queen Matilda (wife of King Stephen) in 1148, and a school. There was employment connected to river activities, housing was dense and the area thrived through the C17th. Traffic and trade on the river continued to grow, so more people continued to moved into the area.
About Saturday 5 April 1662
San Diego Sarah • Link
I just discovered that John Evelyn's first appointment to public office was in 1662, when he became a Commissioner for reforming the buildings, ways, streets, and encumbrances, and the regulation of hackney coaches in London.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41…
About Sunday 25th October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... begin now to make no great matter of it ..." -- makes more sense, thanks Terry.
About Sunday 11 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Following this by the general sexist comment "Typical man", adds nothing to our understanding or appreciation of the diary and the history it reveals!" -- I give you that one, Sasha. Not all men. But you must admit, Pepys showed his bratty side in this entry.
About Friday 16 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
The streets were not safe; no police force, etc. SPOILER ALERT: They are out shopping in a few day's time, and Elizabeth is attacked as she waits in the carriage. You try defending yourself wearing a big skirt like that. Wealthy women's clothing was designed -- intentionally or unintentionally -- to make them vulnerable and helpless.
About Thursday 22 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... Sam does it partly for his own fun and learning ..."
Nah, Sam's doing it to keep her busy so she doesn't want more dancing lessons or another companion. He remembers how long it took him to master his times tables. This is the next diversion now decorating her closett and moving bedroom furniture is finished. If he could organize another flood, he probably would. This is a cheap, time-consuming occupation which involves no-one from outside the house. Not that I disapprove: She has been asking for more of his attention for a long time.
About Wednesday 21 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
Merriam-Webster:
Definition of scrivener
noun pronounced: scriv·en·er \ˈskriv-nər, ˈskri-və-\
1: a professional or public copyist or writer : scribe
2: notary public
About Wine
San Diego Sarah • Link
Rhenish wines -- The modern history of Alsace-Lorraine was largely influenced by the rivalry between French and German nationalisms. Since the Middle Ages, France sought to attain and preserve its “natural boundaries“, which are the Pyrenees to the southwest, the Alps to the southeast, and the Rhine River to the northeast. These strategic aims led to the absorption of territories located west of the Rhine river. What is now known as Alsace was progressively conquered by Louis XIV in the 17th century, while Lorraine was integrated in the 18th century under Louis XV.
In the earlier times, any wine produced in the Alsace region, whether a White or a Rose type (very few if any Reds were produced in the area), would have been labeled and marketed as a Rhenish or Rhine wine. The alcohol content would have been up to 15%, due to the terrain and the method of wine making, which was more of the French method than the German method.
https://timeslipsblog.wordpress.c…...
About Wednesday 21 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
Rhenish wines -- The modern history of Alsace-Lorraine was largely influenced by the rivalry between French and German nationalisms. Since the Middle Ages, France sought to attain and preserve its “natural boundaries“, which are the Pyrenees to the southwest, the Alps to the southeast, and the Rhine River to the northeast. These strategic aims led to the absorption of territories located west of the Rhine river. What is now known as Alsace was progressively conquered by Louis XIV in the 17th century, while Lorraine was integrated in the 18th century under Louis XV.
In the earlier times, any wine produced in the Alsace region, whether a White or a Rose type (very few if any Reds were produced in the area), would have been labeled and marketed as a Rhenish or Rhine wine. The alcohol content would have been up to 15%, due to the terrain and the method of wine making, which was more of the French method than the German method.
https://timeslipsblog.wordpress.c…
About Tuesday 20 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Farmers of the Customes" -- Terry, you were right before you were wrong. "Farmer" didn't necessarily mean working the land. You 'harvested' tithes, fees, etc. I've not found a definition, but here's a description of how Paul Pinder earned an income a little before Pepys:
"In 1624 or 1625 Pindar received ... a grant from the king of the alum farm, at an annual rental of 11,000l. This manufacture had been introduced into England in the reign of James I by an Italian friend of Pindar's, and Pindar himself applied a large amount of capital in the development and support of the works. His lease of the farm appears to have expired in 1638–9, but he is found claiming rights in the farm as late as 1648 (Hist. MSS. Comm. 7th Rep. pp. 18 a, 30 b). On 6 Dec. 1626 Pindar was appointed one of the ‘commissioners to arrest all French ships and goods in England,’ and from 1626 till about 1641 he was one of the farmers of the customs. About March 1638–9 he lent to the exchequer 50,000l., and in a news-letter of April 1639 it is stated that his recent loans had mounted up to 100,000l., ‘for this Sir Paul never fails the king when he has most need’ (cf. Carew, Hinc illæ Lachrymæ, p. 23). The money appears to have been lent to the exchequer at interest at the rate of eight per cent. per annum, and on the security of the alum and sugar farms and other branches of the revenue, which, however, after the death of Charles I were diverted to other uses."
You mention Sir Nicholas Crispe, who was not leasing any farmland, I can assure you. But those six men may have together leased the Customs "Farm".
In the above, 'farms' is used instead of more helpful nouns like factory, business, collective, or monopoly. And them that leases the 'farms' from the King are called farmers, and reap the benefits. Everyone gets his cut.
For more about Paul Pinder: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Pi…
&&&
ALUM - noun from Chemistry.
1. Also called potash alum, potassium alum. a crystalline solid, aluminum potassium sulfate, K 2 SO 4 ⋅Al 2 (SO 4) 3 ⋅24H 2 O, used in medicine as an astringent and styptic, in dyeing and tanning, and in many technical processes.
2. one of a class of double sulfates analogous to the potassium alum, as aluminum ammonium sulfate, having the general formula R 2 SO 4 ⋅X 2 (SO 4) 3 ⋅24H 2 O, where R is a univalent alkali metal or ammonium, and X one of a number of trivalent metals.
3. (not in technical use) aluminum sulfate.
About Monday 19 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
On the subject of using the minute hand of a clock to take the Queen's pulse, according to Dirk in our own encyclopedia:
Up to the 1580s watches were made of iron, but gradually other metals were introduced such as brass & steel particularly after 1625. ... Domestic clocks were smaller versions of public clocks and came into fashion around 1500 with clocks designed by Peter Henlein which were driven by a spring. Furthermore you could carry the clocks anywhere so you could get a vague idea of the amount of time you were wasting ... All had hour hands and had no glass cover protecting the clock face. In fact, the time honored excuse "Just a minute" wouldn't have made sense prior to 1660 when minute hands first made their entrance ...
Since we know Charles II was clock-crazy, it's reasonable to think he had minute hands on some newfangled clocks at the Palace. But I wouldn't want my pulse taken by one yet.
About Monday 19 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... I down with Mr. Coventry and in his chamber discoursing of business of the office and Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten’s carriage, when he most ingeniously tells me how they have carried themselves to him ..."
Carriage is an odd word to use here. When I was at school and being yelled every day at to stand up straight, it was called "deportment". Your "carriage" and your "deportment" were how you presented yourself ... standing tall, shoulders back. (They didn't have us walk around with books on our head, but it was almost that bad.)
Taking carriage more in that sense, Pepys and Coventry are talking about how Mennes and Batten presented themselves, going to Coventry to tell tales on Pepys to try and get him into trouble without going to the Duke, which they may do anyways ... but Coventry now has Pepys' side of the mast situation in mind.
About Monday 19 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... one of the ladies of honour to the Duchesse (no handsome woman, but a most excellent hand)."
The Duchess must be Anne Hyde, Duchess of York. Her lady of honor, a most excellent hand? This could mean she played a mean game of poker, or one of her hands was attractive, or she was a reliable person. Pepys, you drive me crazy sometimes.
So she could be a source of information about the Queen's condition.
Also at lunch was Sir John Berkeley's wife, Christian or Christiana Riccard, daughter of Sir Andrew Riccard (a wealthy London merchant, in the East India Company); she had already been married first to Sir John Geare, and subsequently to Henry Rich, Lord Kensington, son of Robert Rich, 5th Earl of Warwick. Christina brought Berkeley an immense fortune. They had three sons and a daughter. She outlived him by many years.
Since the son of an Earl outranks a Baron, she might still have been known as Lady Kensington?? Not sure about that. Her part of their epitaph is touching:
His other felicityes were crowned
By his happy marriage of Chriftina, daughter of Sr. ANDREW RICCARD
A young lady of a large Dowry and yet larger Graces and Virtues.
who alfo Enricht him with a moft hopefull progeny.
May we all be so lucky.
About Sunday 18 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
Thank you, Terry ... a very good guess, I'd say.
About Saturday 17 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
No doubt we'll find out who gets the hatchet job shortly. Of course, Terry has been here before, but I'm not cheating (very much).
About Sunday 18 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Mr. Moore came, 4 or 5 days out of the country and not come to see me before, though I desired by two or three messengers that he would come to me as soon as he came to town. Which do trouble me to think he should so soon forget my kindness to him, which I am afraid he do."
How frustrating -- for us! All this anticipation of disrespect -- three messengers asking Moore to come over -- waiting 5 days -- and Pepys forgets to tell us what was so urgent. My guess is that this panic started on Tuesday when:
"... at noon with Creed to the Exchange, where much business, but, Lord! how my heart, though I know not reason for it, began to doubt myself, after I saw Stint, Field’s one-eyed solicitor, though I know not any thing that they are doing, or that they endeavour any thing further against us in the business till the term."
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
I'm sure he didn't want to consult about his condition -- or Sandwich's response to the uprising. That was also the day the Queen got sick, so maybe the Court has been in turmoil? As usual, we will probably never know.
Can anyone remind me what was the great kindness that Pepys has done for Moore?
About Saturday 17 October 1663
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and I heard him [Batten] mutter something against him [Will] of complaint for his [Will] often receiving people’s money to Sir G. Carteret, which displeased me much, but I will be even with him [could be Batten, Will or Carteret]."
I think Sam 'will be even' with whichever one of them is misbehaving; Carteret didn't discuss this ahead of time either.