The Diary · Character

Sir W. Warren

A timber merchant and Navy supplier whose friendship Pepys values enough to threaten abandoning him over shady partners—and whose loyalty is worth the trouble.

supporting

Also known as Warren, Sir W. Warren, Sir William Warren

First appearance: january 1659 60

As a supporting figure in The Diary, Sir W. Warren is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Meets Pepys at a coffee house to discuss office business and Mr.

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Warren supplies timber to the Navy and has been, by Pepys's own confession, the best friend he has had in the office, a rare alliance of commerce and trust. When Warren joins with Castle, a man Pepys detests, Pepys plainly declares his resolution to desert him, and Warren yields rather than lose the connection. Their quarrel-and-reconciliation shows how patronage, profit, and personal feeling braid together in the dockyard world, and why Pepys cannot afford to lose him.

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See Sir W. Warren in january 1659 60

Character Web

19 connections

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Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Naval and Court Officials

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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…

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Relationships

Captain Cocke
professional · positive
Captain Cocke and Sir W. How this plays out →
Captain Cocke
professional · positive
Captain Cocke and Sir W. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Sir W. Warren in january 1659 60

In the story

Sir W. Warren appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

August 1663
Meets Pepys at a coffee house to discuss office business and Mr. Wood's knavery.
September 1663
Discusses the bargain of masts with Pepys to Pepys's satisfaction.
December 1663
Referenced in connection with the mast contract that caused Pepys trouble.
February 1663–64
Discusses business with Pepys at a coffeehouse regarding Wood's affairs.
August 1664
Discusses business with Pepys on the Exchange; offers to share dealings.
October 1664
Great contract for timber finalized with Pepys's help.
November 1665
Settles the Tangier boats business with Pepys, yielding over £100 profit.
January 1665–66
Visits Pepys, provides good discourse, and benefits from Pepys's support in a mast contract dispute.
February 1665–66
Pepys talks with him at the tavern about business.
March 1665–66
Discusses prize ships with Pepys; reports high words between Lord Ashly and Sir W. Coventry.
April 1666
Borrows £1,900 from Pepys on an Exchequer order; advises against Pepys's sister's match with Mr. Gawden.
December 1666
Visits Pepys at the office; Pepys admires his cunning and forecast in business.
January 1666–67
Walks with Pepys, offering wise counsel and reporting Lord Brouncker's envious remarks about Pepys's flagons.
November 1667
Visits Pepys to pay a debt of fifty pieces for past assistance in getting his ship out.
June 1668
Discusses difficulties with his accounts before the Commissioners of Parliament.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir W. Warren in january 1659 60

See Sir W. Warren in August 1663