Political Intrigue and Restoration

Where it surfaces

• January 1659–60

  The chapter is steeped in political uncertainty: the Rump's return, Lambert's defiance, Monk's ambiguous stance, and the push for a free Parliament all foreshadow the Restoration.

• February 1659–60

  The chapter focuses on the political crisis, including soldier mutinies, the readmission of secluded members, and Monk's role.

• April 1660

  The chapter is dominated by rumors and discussions about the King's return, General Monk's role, and the power struggle between Presbyterians and Cavaliers.

• May 1660

  The chapter details the political maneuvering behind the Restoration, including Lord Sandwich's secret correspondence with the King and the fleet's public declaration of loyalty.

• June 1660

  Pepys details Lord Sandwich's rise at court, the swearing-in as Privy Counsellor, and the maneuvering for offices and favors in the new royal administration.

• October 1660

  Court scandal involving the Duke of York, discussions of royal favor, and the display of traitors' remains underscore the volatile political climate.

• April 1661

  The chapter captures the political maneuvering around the Dutch gift and the Portugal match, as well as the grand coronation that solidified Charles II's restored rule.

• May 1661

  The burning of Commonwealth acts and the King's birthday celebrations highlight the shift in power.

• July 1661

  Parliamentary disputes over privilege and the King's adjournment reflect ongoing political tensions in the early Restoration period.

• December 1661

  The arrest of old statesmen and Pepys's commentary on the treatment of Cavaliers underscore the political climate of the Restoration era.

• March 1661–62

  The capture of regicides and the passage of the chimney tax reflect the political maneuvers of the Restoration era.

• August 1662

  Discussions with Lord Sandwich about discontents of the times and the political climate under Charles II.

• September 1662

  Discussions about the Fanatics' planned uprising, the Presbyters' hopes for indulgence, and the Bishop of London's influence reflect the political landscape of the Restoration.

• October 1662

  Pepys discusses court jealousy, the rise of new ministers, and rumors about the King's son, reflecting the political maneuvering after the Restoration.

• December 1662

  Discussion of court politics, the King's revenue, and the bill against former Parliamentarians holding office.

• January 1662–63

  Court gossip about the King's private affairs and the Duke of York's scandal highlights the moral and political climate of the Restoration court.

• February 1662–63

  Court gossip about Lady Castlemaine's frolic with Mrs. Stuart, the King's secret visits, and Lord Sandwich's secret about embassy money.

• March 1662–63

  Pepys discusses the King's Indulgence, Parliament's dissent, and Irish unrest, highlighting the fragile political landscape.

• April 1663

  Parliament's efforts against Popery, the King's neglect of the Queen, and the Queen mother's confessor controversy.

• May 1663

  Pepys discusses the King's neglect of business, the influence of Lady Castlemaine, and the factional struggles among courtiers like Lord Bristol and the Duke of Buckingham.

• July 1663

  Lord Bristol's speech to the Commons, the Lords' judgment on articles against the Chancellor, and the King's message highlight court and parliamentary maneuvering.

• November 1663

  Pepys hears of Lord Sandwich's possible disfavor at court and discusses the King's reliance on former Parliamentarians versus Cavaliers.

• January 1663–64

  Court gossip about the King's dalliance with Mrs. Stewart, the Duke of York's seriousness, and Lord Sandwich's cautious behavior highlight Restoration politics.

• March 1663–64

  The King's speech about plots and the Triennial Parliament reflects ongoing political tensions and the consolidation of royal power.

• April 1664

  The chapter captures the political maneuvering around the Dutch war, the Duke of York's stance, and the scrutiny of individuals like Creed by the Council.

• July 1664

  The timber dispute with Lord Chancellor Clarendon reveals the high-stakes maneuvering and personal loyalties at court, with Pepys fearing for his position.

• November 1664

  Pepys navigates court politics, parliamentary fiscal maneuvers, and the looming war with the Dutch.

• September 1665

  The examination of a plot against the King and discussions of the kingdom's governance underscore ongoing political tensions.

• October 1665

  Lord Sandwich discusses the King's designs, the Dutch threat, and the kingdom's instability; Pepys navigates court politics.

• June 1666

  The chapter highlights the political maneuvering at court, the King's and Duke's involvement in naval affairs, and Pepys's reflections on the competence of commanders compared to Lord Sandwich.

• September 1666

  The King and Duke of York are involved in fire response; Pepys reports to them, and there is concern about the nobility's absence and lack of support for the monarchy.

• December 1666

  Parliamentary tensions over the Proviso, the Court's internal disagreements, and the King's financial difficulties are discussed.

• January 1666–67

  The chapter covers the conflict between Parliament and the King over the Bill for examining Accounts, and the conference on the Wine Patent, reflecting Restoration-era political dynamics.

• April 1667

  Carteret's private talk about Lord Sandwich's return and potential appointment as Lord Treasurer reveals court maneuvering.

• May 1667

  Discussions about the Commission for Accounts, the dying Lord Treasurer, and the jockeying for the Treasury position reflect court politics.

• June 1667

  The King's decision to call Parliament against the advice of the Duke of York and the Chancellor reflects high-stakes political maneuvering in a time of crisis.

• July 1667

  The King's quarrel with Lady Castlemayne, the push for an army by the King and Duke of York, and the broken Parliament reveal deep political machinations and the fragility of the Restoration settlement.

• August 1667

  The uncertain fate of Lord Chancellor Clarendon, with the King and Duke of York meeting privately, underscores the political maneuvering of the Restoration era.

• September 1667

  The chapter details the fall of the Chancellor, Coventry's resignation, and court factions.

• October 1667

  The chapter highlights the political maneuvering in Parliament, with threats of impeachment against Lord Mordaunt and Lord Chancellor, and the investigation into the King's ministers.

• November 1667

  The chapter is steeped in political uncertainty, with the Houses at odds over Lord Clarendon and fears of a return to Commonwealth rule.

• December 1667

  The chapter is dominated by political turmoil: the Commons vs. Lords over Clarendon, the King's council purges, and the Duke of Buckingham's rise to power, reflecting the fragile state of the Restoration settlement.

• January 1667–68

  King's reduction of Guards, league with Holland, and the Archbishop's disgrace.

• March 1667–68

  Parliamentary proceedings, King's remarks at Council, and rumors of Navy Officers being turned out.

• April 1668

  Parliament holds back money from the King to exact revenge; the King is forced to submit to their demands.

• May 1668

  Parliamentary conflicts, impeachment of Sir W. Penn, and the East India Company dispute dominate the chapter.

• July 1668

  Gossip about the Duke of Buckingham's bawdy sermon to the King and the King's pursuit of women reflects court intrigue.

• September 1668

  Buckingham's rising influence, Coventry's decline, and the Duke of York's stand on Gawden's case reflect court factionalism.

• November 1668

  Pepys details the power struggles at court, including Buckingham's machinations, the Duke of York's submissive posture, and the fall of Lord Ormond and Lord Anglesey.

• January 1668–69

  Court factions, the King's unstable councils, and power struggles among nobles dominate the chapter.

• February 1668–69

  The King and Buckingham's decision to remove Ormond from Ireland reflects court power struggles.

• March 1668–69

  Coventry's fall and Buckingham's rise dominate Pepys's concerns, showing the precarious nature of court favor.