The Diary · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide supplementary information on the Pepys family genealogy, the cipher of the diary, the marriage of Samuel Pepys's parents, his education at Magdalene College, details on Mrs.
What happens
The endnotes provide supplementary information on the Pepys family genealogy, the cipher of the diary, the marriage of Samuel Pepys's parents, his education at Magdalene College, details on Mrs. Knipp, Lord Sandwich's naval command, Sir John Hinton, and other historical figures and events referenced in the diary.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the news of the impending naval battle throws the Board into…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys's letter to Sir William Coventry on naval victualling exemplifies his focus on administrative reform.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Details of John Pepys's will and family bequests reflect domestic and familial concerns.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Mentioned as the eldest son and executor of his father John Pepys's will, and as the author of the diary.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Referenced in connection with his naval command and the joint command with the Duke of Albemarle.
- Sir William Coventry
Addressee of Pepys's 'New Year's Gift' letter on naval victualling.
- Mr. Sheply
Identified as a servant of Admiral Sir Edward Montagu and steward at Hinchinbroke.
- Mr. Creed
Mentioned in the context of a connection to Sir Edward Montagu.
Key passages
“Mr. W. C. Pepys has paid great attention to the history of his family, and in 1887 he published an interesting work entitled Genealogy of the Pepys Family, 1273–1887”
W. C. Pepys researched the family history and published a genealogy in 1887.
This note provides a source for the Pepys family lineage.
“Pepys tells us (Diary, Dec. 31st, 1664) that his father and mother were married at Newington in Surrey, on October 15th, 1626, but although the register of marriages of St. Mary, Newington, has been searched, the certificate of the marriage has not been found”
Pepys recorded his parents' marriage date and place, but the marriage certificate has not been located.
This highlights the uncertainty about Samuel Pepys's mother's maiden name.
