Social Ambition and Class

Where it surfaces

• Particulars of the Life of Samuel Pepys

  Pepys's rise from a tailor's son to a high-ranking official; his pride in his family lineage and his patronage by Lord Sandwich.

• March 1659–60

  Pepys's pride in being addressed as 'Esq.' and his careful navigation of social hierarchies among officers and nobles.

• July 1660

  Pepys wears his first silk suit, worries about the cost of his patent, and is anxious about his social standing and future prospects.

• September 1660

  Pepys navigates social circles, dines with influential figures, and manages his finances to improve his standing, reflecting his upward mobility.

• January 1660–61

  Pepys notes his rising status, dining with nobility, and his satisfaction at being in places where he once petitioned as a scholar.

• February 1660–61

  Pepys begins wearing a coat and sword as a gentleman, chooses Valentines, and hosts dinners, reflecting his social climbing.

• March 1660–61

  Pepys is increasingly thoughtful about getting money; he borrows £1,000 for Lord Sandwich and secures his own bond.

• June 1661

  Pepys seeks a place in the Wardrobe for his father, dines with nobility, and enjoys the respect shown by Lord Sandwich's farewell salute.

• August 1661

  Pepys discusses his uncle's will and inheritance, negotiates a potential marriage for his brother Tom, and observes the deference shown to him by country people at church.

• September 1661

  Pepys navigates social circles, dining with nobility and attending plays, while also dealing with lower-status relatives and 'poor rascally people' at a burial.

• December 1661

  Pepys's interactions with Lady Wright about fashion and his efforts to arrange his brother's marriage reflect social aspirations and class distinctions.

• January 1661–62

  Pepys manages family marriage negotiations for Tom, aiming for a wealthier match, and navigates social circles with Lady Sandwich and the Penns.

• April 1662

  Pepys seeks favor with Sir G. Carteret, attends plays with nobility, and navigates social hierarchies to advance his position.

• May 1662

  Pepys observes fashions at Gray's Inn, notes the neatness of his boy's livery compared to others, and feels out of countenance among fine ladies at Dr. Clerke's.

• June 1662

  Pepys visits Mrs. Clarke, attends church, and enjoys social outings, while also navigating his professional rise.

• March 1662–63

  Pepys navigates social obligations, from dining with genteel company to attending a christening, while managing his own rise in the office.

• February 1663–64

  Pepys visits Paul's School, mingles with wits at a coffeehouse, and reflects on his rising wealth and status.

• July 1664

  Pepys's interactions with Creed (accepting gold), his pursuit of Lord Peterborough's promised £50, and his book collecting reflect his social climbing and financial aspirations.

• October 1664

  Pepys admires the beauty of la belle Boteler at church; Lady Sandwich discusses marriage prospects for Creed.

• December 1664

  Pepys dines with influential figures like Sir W. Rider and Cutler, seeks to make a friend of Lord Brunkard, and navigates social hierarchies at court.

• March 1664–65

  Pepys's joy at being received by persons of rank and his rise in status through the Tangier appointment.

• April 1665

  Pepys enjoys the King's notice, attends plays with nobility, and interacts with pretty shopkeepers, reflecting his social climbing and pleasure-seeking.

• November 1665

  Pepys marvels at his rise from mean beginnings and the respect he receives, reflecting on merit versus favor.

• December 1665

  Pepys enjoys elite music gatherings and notes the Duchess of Albemarle's insult toward Lord Sandwich, reflecting courtly social dynamics.

• April 1666

  Pepys considers a match for his sister with Mr. Gawden's son, but abandons it due to potential conflicts of interest; he also visits noble houses and takes pride in his rising status.

• July 1666

  Pepys dines with Sir W. Penn for strategic reasons, observes courtly life, and reflects on the social dynamics of power and favor.

• November 1666

  Pepys enjoys his new vest and silver-hilted sword, dines with Lady Penn and Mrs. Markham, and receives a cake from a smith's wife, reflecting social climbing and material display.

• January 1666–67

  Pepys takes pride in his lavish dinner and plate, outdoing his peers, and notes Sir W. Penn's envy, illustrating social competition and ambition.

• February 1666–67

  Pepys contrasts his own prosperity with the 'poorness and meanness' of Sir W. Penn's household; reflects on his estate at age 34.

• February 1667–68

  Pepys arranges his sister's marriage to a plain young man, reflecting social and economic considerations.

• July 1668

  Pepys dines with eminent men (Cooper, Hales, Harris, Butler), commissions a portrait, and seeks to improve his standing.

• August 1668

  Pepys enjoys social climbing through compliments from Lord Orrery and attending noble gatherings.

• October 1668

  Pepys and his wife eagerly plan to buy a coach, new hangings, and a bed, reflecting their rising status.

• December 1668

  Pepys takes great pride in his own coach and fine horses, reflecting his social ascent.

• April 1669

  Pepys interacts with nobility and courtiers, including the Duke of York and the Prince of Tuscany, while managing his own social standing.