The Diary · Chapter
March 1660–61 explained
Pepys records a busy period of naval administration, social visits, and theatre-going.
What happens
Pepys records a busy period of naval administration, social visits, and theatre-going. He resolves a dispute over the purveyor's place, dines with colleagues, and attends plays including 'Love's Mistress', 'King and No King', and 'The Bondman'. He notes political tensions over the London election of Anabaptist MPs and the anti-Bishop sentiment. Personal matters include his wife's new teeth, his own stone anniversary, and beginning work on his stairs. He also borrows money and secures a bond for £500.
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 Exposition.
- 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 works on naval accounts, resolves purveyor dispute, and secures money via bill of exchange.
- Social Ambition and Class
Pepys is increasingly thoughtful about getting money; he borrows £1,000 for Lord Sandwich and secures his own bond.
- Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends multiple plays including 'Love's Mistress', 'King and No King', 'The Spanish Curate', 'The Bondman', and 'Rollo'.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys oversees workmen on his stairs, gives old clothes to his brother, and celebrates three years since his stone operation.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Diary entries covering work, social life, and personal reflections.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Gets her teeth redone by La Roche; falls and hurts her knees; keeps to her chamber unwell.
- Sir William Batten
Dines with Pepys, goes to Rochester for Parliament election, hosts collation and dancing.
- Sir William Penn
Attends meetings with Pepys, teaches Coventry about Jamaica, joins in dancing.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys dines with him, discusses accounts, signs bond for £500, sings and fiddles.
- Sir William Coventry
Dispute over purveyor's place resolved; Pepys does business with him.
- Mr. Creed
Tells Pepys of his amours at Portsmouth; attends theatre and alehouse with him.
- Mr. Sheply
Works on Lord Sandwich's accounts with Pepys; attends theatre.
Key passages
“I do find myself to become more and more thoughtful about getting of money than ever heretofore.”
Pepys notices he is increasingly preoccupied with earning money.
Reflects growing financial ambition.
“It do make people to fear it may come to worse, by being an example to the country to do the same. And indeed the Bishops are so high, that very few do love them.”
The election of Anabaptist MPs in London alarms people, as it may inspire similar results elsewhere, and reflects widespread dislike of the bishops' arrogance.
Political and religious tension over episcopal authority.
“This is my great day that three years ago I was cut of the stone, and, blessed be God, I do yet find myself very free from pain again.”
Pepys marks the third anniversary of his successful stone surgery, grateful to remain pain-free.
Personal milestone and gratitude.
