Wednesday 2 September 1668

Fast-day for the burning of London, strictly observed. I at home at the office all day, forenoon and afternoon, about the Victualler’s contract and other things, and at night home to supper, having had but a cold dinner, Mr. Gibson with me; and this evening comes Mr. Hill to discourse with me about Yeabsly and Lanyon’s business, wherein they are troubled, and I fear they have played the knave too far for me to help or think fit to appear for them. So he gone, and after supper, to bed, being troubled with a summons, though a kind one, from Mr. Jessop, to attend the Commissioners of Accounts tomorrow.

6 Annotations

First Reading

Georgiana Wickham  •  Link

How come Pepys observed the fast day strictly, but still managed to consume a cold dinner (presumably at midday)?

cgs  •  Link

Dinner in this instance be an meal after sundown?
Fast day not fast night?
Cold meal , yesterdays leftovers, no hot stove or oven.
Just an opinion

Paul Chapin  •  Link

It can't have been a meal after sundown, since he mentions it in the context of "home to supper," which is that late meal. However, I think you may be right about the cold meal meeting the letter of the fasting requirement, if not the spirit.

Australian Susan  •  Link

Sam may say it was "strictly observed", but he doesn't actually say that included him.... A cold dinner could mean the maids had been doing the monthly washing.

Second Reading

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