PEP Y S ’ DIARY

Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) was the naval administrator and first secretary of the British Admiralty. Here’s what he wrote on this day in 1667.

Took coach: and the poor, as they did yesterday, did stand at the coach to have something given them; and I did give them something: and the town musique did also come and play: but, Lord! what sad music they made! However, I was pleased with them, and so through the town, and observed at our College of Magdalene the posts new painted, and understand that the Vice- Chancellor’is there this year.

And so away for Huntingdon pleased all along the road to remember old stories; and come to Brampton at about noon, and there find my father and sister and brother all well and here laid up our things, and up and down to see the garden with my father, and the house, and do altogether find it very pretty; especially the little parlour and the summerhouses in the garden; but that is only because of my coming from a house with higher ceilings. But altogether is very pretty; and I bless God that I am like to have such a pretty place to retire to: and I did walk with my father without doors, and do find a very convenient way of laying out money there in building, which will make a very good seat, and the place deserves it, I think, very well.