# Elizabeth Pepys — The Diary character guide > Elizabeth Pepys in The Diary by Samuel Pepys. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mrs. Pepys, Betty Pepys, Elizabeth **First appearance:** 0003-january-1659-60 ## Snapshot Pepys's young French-born wife, whose wit and taste for the theatre make her a vivid presence in a marriage shadowed by his infidelities. ## Who they are Elizabeth shares Pepys's household and his pleasures — plays, music, new clothes — but not his freedom, and her sharp awareness of his wandering attention gives the diary much of its domestic tension. She is by turns indulged, neglected, and courted with gifts, and her reactions (a sulk, a coldness, a rare delight) register as clearly as his own. Her presence keeps the diary honest about the cost of Pepys's appetites. ## Relationships ### [Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/edward_montagu_earl_of_sandwich) _social_ Elizabeth Pepys was the wife of Samuel Pepys, and Lord Sandwich interacted with her as part of his social circle and patronage network. ### [Sir William Batten](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/sir_william_batten) _social_ Elizabeth Pepys and Sir William Batten were acquaintances through social gatherings and the Navy Board circle, with polite but distant relations. ### [Samuel Pepys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/samuel_pepys) _family_ Elizabeth Pepys was Samuel Pepys's wife, their relationship marked by affection, jealousy, and domestic tensions. ### [Sir William Penn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/sir_william_penn) _social_ Elizabeth Pepys and Sir William Penn were neighbors and social acquaintances, interacting at dinners and community events. ### [Captain Cocke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/captain_cocke) _social_ Captain Cocke and Elizabeth Pepys were acquaintances through Samuel Pepys's social network, with occasional friendly interactions. ### [Samuel Pepys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/samuel_pepys) _family_ Elizabeth Pepys was Samuel Pepys's wife, their relationship marked by affection, jealousy, and domestic tensions. ### [Captain Cocke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/captain_cocke) _social_ Captain Cocke and Elizabeth Pepys were acquaintances through Samuel Pepys's social network, with occasional friendly interactions. ### [Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/edward_montagu_earl_of_sandwich) _social_ Elizabeth Pepys was the wife of Samuel Pepys, and Lord Sandwich interacted with her as part of his social circle and patronage network. ### [Samuel Pepys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/samuel_pepys) _family_ Elizabeth Pepys was Samuel Pepys's wife, their relationship marked by affection, jealousy, and domestic tensions. ### [Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/edward_montagu_earl_of_sandwich) _social_ Elizabeth Pepys was the wife of Samuel Pepys, and Lord Sandwich interacted with her as part of his social circle and patronage network. ## In the story ### [Particulars of the Life of Samuel Pepys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/particulars-of-the-life-of-samuel-pepys) Pepys's wife; mentioned in relation to their wedding date and living at Woolwich during the Plague. ### [The Diary of Samuel Pepys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/the-diary-of-samuel-pepys) Pepys' wife, mentioned in domestic contexts. ### [January 1659–60](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1659-60) Pepys's wife; burns her hand while cooking, visits family, and plays cards. ### [February 1659–60](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1659-60) Dines with Pepys on pease porridge and attends church with him. ### [March 1659–60](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1659-60) Troubled by Pepys's departure; helps prepare for his voyage and agrees to stay at Mr. Bowyer's. ### [May 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1660) Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but Pepys's domestic life is implied through his references to his wife and household. ### [June 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1660) Has been in London with the Bowyers, is recovering from illness, and writes to Pepys about the Joyces' pride and rumors of his knighthood. ### [July 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1660) Packs up the household and is admired as the greatest beauty at a wedding. ### [August 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1660) Suffers from a recurring pain; Pepys seeks medical help for her and buys her a petticoat. ### [September 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1660) Pepys's wife; buys mourning clothes, attends a burial, and dines with Pepys at the Mitre tavern. ### [October 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1660) Buys household items and suffers from boils. ### [November 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1660) Wears a black patch for the first time; quarrels with Pepys over the dog; attends church in the new pew. ### [December 1660](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1660) Accompanies Pepys to Woolwich and attends church; her new mantle pleases Pepys. ### [January 1660–61](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1660-61) Pepys' wife; accompanies him to dinners, church, and social visits. ### [February 1660–61](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1660-61) Accompanies Pepys to Valentine choosing and shipboard dinner; dines at home with him. ### [March 1660–61](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1660-61) Gets her teeth redone by La Roche; falls and hurts her knees; keeps to her chamber unwell. ### [April 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1661) Pepys's wife; stays at her father's house, later returns to join Pepys at a collation. ### [May 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1661) Accompanies Pepys on the journey; argues with him about Mrs. Pierce's beauty. ### [June 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1661) Receives £4 from Pepys for lace and other items; walks with Pepys on the leads. ### [July 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1661) Pepys's wife; attends burials, visits with Lady Jemima and Pall, and organizes household linen. ### [August 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1661) Pepys's wife; accompanies him to Walthamstow, the theatre, and the Wardrobe; pleads with Pepys to help her brother Balty. ### [September 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1661) Accompanies Pepys to plays and on a ride; buys items for herself and receives a bracelet from Mr. Somerset. ### [October 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1661) Begins learning to sing; accompanies Pepys to the Theatre; expresses displeasure with servants. ### [November 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1661) Pepys's wife; accompanies him to Whitehall and the Opera, and discusses lace purchases with Lady Sandwich. ### [December 1661](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1661) Pepys's wife; attends church, socializes with neighbors, and has domestic disputes with Pepys over household sluttery. ### [January 1661–62](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1661-62) Accompanies Pepys to plays, dinners, and visits; her portrait is criticized by Lady Sandwich. ### [February 1661–62](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1661-62) Accompanies Pepys to church and the theatre; discusses spending £20 on clothes. ### [March 1661–62](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1661-62) Pepys's wife; accompanies him on walks and visits, and is unwell at times. ### [April 1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1662) Pepys's wife; accompanies him to plays and outings, and is persuaded to go to Brampton for her ague. ### [May 1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1662) Visits Mrs. Hunt and Lady Carteret, goes to the theatre and Hyde Park, and buys clothes. ### [June 1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1662) Pepys's wife puts on a new slasht waistcoat, attends church, and visits Mrs. Clarke with him. ### [July 1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1662) Pepys sends her to Bugden; she visits her father and takes walks. ### [October 1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1662) Helps put a chamber in order and dines with Pepys; later sent to direct Pepys's brother in entertaining his mistress's mother. ### [November 1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1662) Pepys's wife; they have a contented relationship but quarrel over a maid. ### [December 1662](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1662) Pepys' wife; unwell on Christmas Day but later makes pies; accompanies Pepys to the theatre. ### [January 1662–63](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1662-63) Pepys' wife; accompanies him to plays and lodgings, but is scolded for poor spelling and losing items. ### [February 1662–63](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1662-63) Dines with Pepys, goes to Chelsea to see the wassail at school, and is taught astronomy by Pepys. ### [March 1662–63](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1662-63) Mentioned as being at home alone and later attending a christening with Pepys. ### [April 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1663) Begins learning to dance from Mr. Pembleton; goes on a walk with Pepys and Ashwell. ### [May 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1663) Pepys's wife; accompanies him to the theatre and the Park, and dances at home with Pembleton. ### [June 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1663) Pepys's wife; tensions arise over household matters and her association with Ashwell. ### [August 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1663) Pepys's wife; accused by Ashwell of base usage and blows, leading to Ashwell's dismissal; Pepys chides her but hopes for peace. ### [September 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1663) Shows discontent with John Pepys's presence; busy fitting her closet; receives a gift of shells. ### [October 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1663) Occupied with hanging her closet and managing household cleaning. ### [November 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1663) Attends church with Pepys, makes marmalade with Mrs. Hunt, and quarrels with Pepys over a perceived lie by the maid Jane. ### [December 1663](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1663) Pepys's wife; suffers from toothache, studies arithmetic with Pepys, and provides companionship. ### [January 1663–64](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1663-64) Pepys takes her by water to Axe Yard and later teaches her a lesson on the globes. ### [February 1663–64](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1663-64) Pepys's wife; accompanies him on outings, visits her father, and shares news of her brother's departure. ### [March 1663–64](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1663-64) Pepys's wife; involved in a dispute over a laced gown and in a dog-breeding incident. ### [April 1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1664) Pepys's wife, who accompanies him on outings and visits, and shares concerns about their money held by Lord Sandwich. ### [May 1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1664) Takes physic alongside Pepys; accompanies him on outings and to the playhouse. ### [June 1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1664) Attends a play with Pepys, argues about attending a christening, and later reconciles with him. ### [July 1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1664) Mentioned as preparing to go into the country; Pepys notes they have not lain together due to heat. ### [September 1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1664) Not well, stays in bed part of the month, goes to Bartholomew Fair with Pepys. ### [October 1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1664) Angry with Pepys for gadding after beauties; later goes to see the new ship launch. ### [December 1664](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1664) Accompanies Pepys to the Duke's House play and later to visit Lady Sandwich's coach. ### [January 1664–65](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1664-65) Vexes Pepys by making him read a letter about jealousy; disputes with him over maid Jane. ### [February 1664–65](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1664-65) Receives Dicke Penn as her Valentine, goes out for visits in Sir J. Minnes's coach, and has a falling out with Pepys over kitchen accounts. ### [March 1664–65](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1664-65) Receives £20 for clothes, goes shopping, and begins wearing light-colored locks which vexes Pepys. ### [April 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1665) Attends play with Pepys and Creed; goes by coach to Hackney for air; visits Unthanke's. ### [May 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1665) Dines with her mother's old servant and reconciles with Lady Batten after a year's estrangement. ### [June 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1665) Accompanies Pepys to Deptford and Woolwich; learns painting with pleasure and success; prepares to move to Mr. Sheldon's house. ### [July 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1665) Pepys's wife; stays at Woolwich, and Pepys visits her there on the night of July 8th. ### [August 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1665) Has a difference with maid Mercer; Pepys meets her at Woolwich with her painter and maids. ### [September 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1665) Shows her pictures to Lady Penn and Pegg; goes out with Captain Cocke to see his boy at school, causing Pepys some concern. ### [October 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1665) Visits Pepys at his lodging on the 17th, then returns home. ### [November 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1665) Returns to Greenwich lodgings and helps prepare goods for moving back home. ### [December 1665](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1665) Elizabeth joins Pepys in social visits and music gatherings, though Pepys is angry with her for wanting a new maid during the plague. ### [January 1665–66](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1665-66) Suffers from toothache, shows Pepys her new clothes and linens, and discusses household matters. ### [February 1665–66](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1665-66) Goes abroad to buy things and visit her parents; draws Mr. Hill as her Valentine; sits for her portrait by Hales. ### [March 1665–66](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1665-66) Works with Mercer on ruling paper for pursers' books; visits Hales's studio with Pepys. ### [April 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1666) Accompanies Pepys to Westminster Hall and Hales's studio; approves of a new maid. ### [May 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1666) Begins painting, disputes with Pepys over household management and attention to other women. ### [June 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1666) Elizabeth dines with Pepys and his father at Aunt Wight's and later visits Islington with the family. ### [July 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1666) Dines with Pepys and the Penns; spends time with friends and family, dancing and singing. ### [August 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1666) Drawing pictures, joins in fireworks and dancing, wears a periwig during the revels. ### [September 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1666) Pepys's wife buys an expensive gown and is troubled by the sight of the ruins; she also suffers from illness and hair loss. ### [October 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1666) Accompanies Pepys on errands; visits her sick brother; involved in discussions about hiring a new maid. ### [November 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1666) Pepys's wife accompanies him to visit Betty Michell and her sick brother, and is present at home for supper and conversation. ### [December 1666](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1666) Goes down the river for pleasure, attends christening, and is scolded by Pepys over music lessons. ### [January 1666–67](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1666-67) Accompanies Pepys to a play and walks in the fields with Mrs. Penn. ### [February 1666–67](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1666-67) Attends Sir W. Penn's wedding dinner; discusses the meanness of their neighbors with Pepys. ### [March 1666–67](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1666-67) Takes flageolet lessons and sings for Pepys, who becomes frustrated with her ear for music. ### [April 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1667) Accompanies Pepys on walks and sings with him at home. ### [May 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1667) Pepys' wife; goes to the Park incognito and visits her tailor. ### [June 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1667) Pepys's wife; sent with her father-in-law to the country with £1,300 in gold for safekeeping. ### [July 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1667) Has a dogged humour and quarrels with Pepys over his absence at dinner. ### [August 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1667) Expresses jealousy over Pepys's attention to Mrs. Knipp and engages in heated discourse; later enjoys a country outing to Barnet. ### [September 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1667) Accompanies Pepys to Bartholomew Fair and Walthamstow; buys a nightgown. ### [October 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1667) Accompanies Pepys to buy a nightgown and to the play; later sick with colic. ### [November 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1667) Pepys's wife; accompanies him to the King's playhouse and shares his alarm during the early morning noise. ### [December 1667](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1667) Suffers from severe toothache with facial swelling, causing Pepys great concern; she is bedridden and treated with poultices. ### [January 1667–68](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1667-68) Pepys's wife; dines with Mrs. Pierce, is ill on the 19th, and accompanies Pepys on outings. ### [February 1667–68](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1667-68) Takes physick, dines with Pepys, and accompanies him to the play and to Islington. ### [March 1667–68](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1667-68) Agrees to have her closet made up and plans a country visit; works on preparations with Deb. ### [April 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1668) Prepares for her journey into the country with Betty Turner, Deb., and Jane. ### [May 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1668) Mentioned indirectly; Mrs. Williams notes her absence from visits. ### [June 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1668) Shows melancholy and anger over Pepys's absences, eventually requesting to go to France. ### [July 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/july-1668) Pepys's wife; sits for her portrait by Mr. Cooper, accompanies Pepys to plays and Spring Garden. ### [August 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1668) Pepys's wife, accompanies him on trips and social visits. ### [September 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/september-1668) Pepys's wife; goes to Sturbridge-Fair, attends a play, and quarrels with Pepys. ### [October 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/october-1668) Accompanies Pepys to plays and upholsterers; shares joy over the new coach. ### [November 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1668) Elizabeth is silent about Deb's absence but later discusses parting with her; she reads to Pepys in the evenings and manages the household. ### [December 1668](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/december-1668) Pepys's wife accompanies him to plays and in the new coach; they have a minor quarrel about table linen but reconcile. ### [January 1668–69](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1668-69) Pepys's wife; reads to him, accompanies him to plays, and shows jealousy over his movements. ### [February 1668–69](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1668-69) Pepys's wife; struggles with jealousy over maid Jane, leading to arguments and reconciliation. ### [March 1668–69](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1668-69) Wears her new French gown, attends plays with Pepys, and reads to him. ### [April 1669](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1669) Pepys's wife; dines with him, goes to the Park, and receives lessons in perspective. ### [May 1669](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/may-1669) Pepys's wife accompanies him on outings; she has a tooth drawn and shows jealousy regarding Deb. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters/elizabeth_pepys - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_diary_se/characters