The Diary · Chapter
November 1662 explained
Pepys continues his search for treasure in the Tower cellars, attends a dinner at Trinity House, and enjoys a play at the Cockpit.
What happens
Pepys continues his search for treasure in the Tower cellars, attends a dinner at Trinity House, and enjoys a play at the Cockpit. He deals with domestic improvements, a quarrel with his wife over a maid, and ongoing legal troubles. He also hears news of the Queen Mother's marriage, the arrival of Dunkirk money, and the death of old Audley.
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 deals with Navy Office business, legal troubles (Field's case), and the arrival of Dunkirk money.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys describes home improvements, a quarrel with his wife, and the hiring of a new maid.
- Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys worries about expenses, the cost of household goods, and hears of Audley's vast estate.
- Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys attends a performance of 'The Scornful Lady' at the Cockpit with the royal family present.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and protagonist; involved in treasure hunting, naval administration, and domestic life.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys's wife; they have a contented relationship but quarrel over a maid.
- Sir William Batten
Colleague at the Navy Office; Pepys dines with him and discusses lodgings.
- Sir John Minnes
Navy official; Pepys travels with him and notes his plans to alter their shared entry.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys's patron; Pepys visits him and receives signs of his confidence.
- Mr. Creed
Accompanies Pepys to Trinity House dinner and to the play.
- Sir William Coventry
Navy official; Pepys dines with him and discusses sending his brother-in-law to sea.
- Mr. Moore
Dines with Pepys and brings news of the Queen Mother's marriage.
Key passages
“I went to the Trinity House, to a great dinner there, by invitacion, and much company.”
Pepys attended a large formal dinner at Trinity House as an invited guest.
Highlights Pepys's social and professional networking.
“We stayed two or three hours digging, and dug a great deal all under the arches, as it was now most confidently directed, and so seriously, and upon pretended good grounds, that I myself did truly expect to speed; but we missed of all.”
Pepys and his team dug for hours in the Tower cellars based on confident directions, but found nothing.
Illustrates the futile treasure hunt that recurs in the diary.
“My wife and I fell out cruelly, to my great discontent. But I do see her set so against the wench, whom I take to be a most extraordinary good servant, that I was forced for the wench's sake to bid her get her another place.”
Pepys quarreled bitterly with his wife over a maid he valued highly, and he told the maid to find another job.
Shows domestic tension and Pepys's attachment to a servant.
“This day come the King's pleasure-boats from Calais, with the Dunkirk money, being 400,000 pistolles.”
The King's ships arrived from Calais carrying 400,000 pistoles from the sale of Dunkirk.
A significant financial event for the Crown.
