I Read Therefore I Am discussion
Diaries and Journals
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Mr Pepys' Diary daily
message 251:
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Ellie
(new)
Oct 13, 2013 03:09AM
May have to can the idea of searching for a pasty: I'm not going out in this rain!!!
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Try having a dog! I've lost count of the number of times I've got soaked over the years. The current dog hates the rain and this week went and hid under a tree while I had to stand in the open, getting absolutely soaked, trying to cajole her into coming out. It's very difficult to keep up a sweetie, sweetie, there's a good girl voice while you're absolutely furious. She'll be dicing with death if she tries it again (only joking of course, sort of!!!)
I remember seeing my next door neighbour trying to walk her dog in the pouring rain once, the dog took about four steps forward and then sat down and wouldn't budge. Her owner spent about 5 minutes pleading with her and then gave up -as soon as she took a step back towards the house the dog jumped up and started trotting happily towards the nice warm dryness.
Saturday 13 October 1660
To my Lord’s in the morning, where I met with Captain Cuttance, but my Lord not being up I went out to Charing Cross, to see Major-general Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that condition. He was presently cut down, and his head and heart shown to the people, at which there was great shouts of joy. It is said, that he said that he was sure to come shortly at the right hand of Christ to judge them that now had judged him; and that his wife do expect his coming again.
Thus it was my chance to see the King beheaded at White Hall, and to see the first blood shed in revenge for the blood of the King at Charing Cross. From thence to my Lord’s, and took Captain Cuttance and Mr. Sheply to the Sun Tavern, and did give them some oysters. After that I went by water home, where I was angry with my wife for her things lying about, and in my passion kicked the little fine basket, which I bought her in Holland, and broke it, which troubled me after I had done it.
Within all the afternoon setting up shelves in my study. At night to bed.
To my Lord’s in the morning, where I met with Captain Cuttance, but my Lord not being up I went out to Charing Cross, to see Major-general Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that condition. He was presently cut down, and his head and heart shown to the people, at which there was great shouts of joy. It is said, that he said that he was sure to come shortly at the right hand of Christ to judge them that now had judged him; and that his wife do expect his coming again.
Thus it was my chance to see the King beheaded at White Hall, and to see the first blood shed in revenge for the blood of the King at Charing Cross. From thence to my Lord’s, and took Captain Cuttance and Mr. Sheply to the Sun Tavern, and did give them some oysters. After that I went by water home, where I was angry with my wife for her things lying about, and in my passion kicked the little fine basket, which I bought her in Holland, and broke it, which troubled me after I had done it.
Within all the afternoon setting up shelves in my study. At night to bed.
Mod
I don't think I could have eaten any oysters (not without them making an unscheduled reappearance shortly afterwards anyway)
He packs a lot into a day. Fancy just attending an execution to pass the time while you're waiting for your boss. I love the line " he looked as cheerful as any man can do in that situation"!If he fancied a bit of DIY I think he should have mended his wife's work basket rather than put his shelves up. Bad tempered so and so.
Exactly - it's not so much that he went to see an execution - but that he's so casual about it. So often these diary entries surprise me by showing how similar we are to our 17th century forebears - this one reminds me of what huge differences there are (thank goodness)
Hang, draw and quarter is such an absolutely dreadful way to execute someone and seems to have been peculiarly British. I've never read of it as a form of execution anywhere else
No me neither - not planning to google it for once though, goodness knows what horrible things I'd find out (shudder!)
I've read a few books on medieval/Tudor history, and have come across description of hanging, drawing and quartering: I won't go into detail, suffice to say its pretty gruesome! It was a form of execution used from the 14th to the 19th centuries, incredible to think it still went on less than 200 years ago - it was made less inhumane in the early 19th century before being abolished altogether in 1870.I was watching a programme Stephen Fry presented about London recently, he mentioned how people travelled by Underground to the last public execution; it seems weird that something we consider fairly modern was co-existing with something we regard as well and truly from the past.
With the abolishment of hanging, drawing and quartering in 1970, and the last public hanging in 1868, you can start to see that while people talk disparagingly of Victorian slums, there was an immense amount of progress also being made.
Blimey - I didn't think it was going on in the 18th century, let alone the 19th!
I suspect it had dwindled in frequency after the 17th century.
Mod
When you think about it though executions still take place with quite a sizeable audience participation in the US, or I should say movies and TV would lead us to believe so. I personally can't think of any situation where I would want to see someone executed even if the crime had personally affected me.
Mod
Yes - I hate capital punishment - and the worst thing is hearing about people who were wrongly convicted - have you ever seen the film "10 Rillington Place" about the serial killer Christie. Among the people he murdered were the mother and baby of the family that were lodging with him - the husband was convicted of the murders (Chrisite himself was a key prosecution witness) and hung for them. It wasn't till years later (and many more murders) that Christie was found out.
His lodger did receive a posthumous pardon- much good that it did him.
His lodger did receive a posthumous pardon- much good that it did him.
Sunday 14 October 1660
(Lord’s day). Early to my Lord’s, in my way meeting with Dr. Fairbrother, who walked with me to my father’s back again, and there we drank my morning draft, my father having gone to church and my mother asleep in bed. Here he caused me to put my hand among a great many honorable hands to a paper or certificate in his behalf.
To White Hall chappell, where one Dr. Crofts made an indifferent sermon, and after it an anthem, ill sung, which made the King laugh. Here I first did see the Princess Royal since she came into England. Here I also observed, how the Duke of York and Mrs. Palmer did talk to one another very wantonly through the hangings that parts the King’s closet and the closet where the ladies sit.
To my Lord’s, where I found my wife, and she and I did dine with my Lady (my Lord dining with my Lord Chamberlain), who did treat my wife with a good deal of respect.
In the evening we went home through the rain by water in a sculler, having borrowed some coats of Mr. Sheply. So home, wet and dirty, and to bed.
(Lord’s day). Early to my Lord’s, in my way meeting with Dr. Fairbrother, who walked with me to my father’s back again, and there we drank my morning draft, my father having gone to church and my mother asleep in bed. Here he caused me to put my hand among a great many honorable hands to a paper or certificate in his behalf.
To White Hall chappell, where one Dr. Crofts made an indifferent sermon, and after it an anthem, ill sung, which made the King laugh. Here I first did see the Princess Royal since she came into England. Here I also observed, how the Duke of York and Mrs. Palmer did talk to one another very wantonly through the hangings that parts the King’s closet and the closet where the ladies sit.
To my Lord’s, where I found my wife, and she and I did dine with my Lady (my Lord dining with my Lord Chamberlain), who did treat my wife with a good deal of respect.
In the evening we went home through the rain by water in a sculler, having borrowed some coats of Mr. Sheply. So home, wet and dirty, and to bed.
Our Sam doesn't always seem to keep his mind on spiritual subjects when in church does he?
They all sound like naughty schoolboys, laughing flirting and generally not paying any attention.
Monday 15 October 1660
Office all the morning. My wife and I by water; I landed her at Whitefriars, she went to my father’s to dinner, it being my father’s wedding day, there being a very great dinner, and only the Fenners and Joyces [Katherine and Anthony, Mary and William. P.G.] there. This morning Mr. Carew was hanged and quartered at Charing Cross; but his quarters, by a great favour, are not to be hanged up.
I was forced to go to my Lord’s to get him to meet the officers of the Navy this afternoon, and so could not go along with her, but I missed my Lord, who was this day upon the bench at the Sessions house. So I dined there, and went to White Hall, where I met with Sir W. Batten and Pen, who with the Comptroller, Treasurer, and Mr. Coventry (at his chamber) made up a list of such ships as are fit to be kept out for the winter guard, and the rest to be paid off by the Parliament when they can get money, which I doubt will not be a great while.
That done, I took coach, and called my wife at my father’s, and so homewards, calling at Thos. Pepys the turner’s for some things that we wanted. And so home, where I fell to read “The Fruitless Precaution” (a book formerly recommended by Dr. Clerke at sea to me), which I read in bed till I had made an end of it, and do find it the best writ tale that ever I read in my life. After that done to sleep, which I did not very well do, because that my wife having a stopping in her nose she snored much, which I never did hear her do before.
Office all the morning. My wife and I by water; I landed her at Whitefriars, she went to my father’s to dinner, it being my father’s wedding day, there being a very great dinner, and only the Fenners and Joyces [Katherine and Anthony, Mary and William. P.G.] there. This morning Mr. Carew was hanged and quartered at Charing Cross; but his quarters, by a great favour, are not to be hanged up.
I was forced to go to my Lord’s to get him to meet the officers of the Navy this afternoon, and so could not go along with her, but I missed my Lord, who was this day upon the bench at the Sessions house. So I dined there, and went to White Hall, where I met with Sir W. Batten and Pen, who with the Comptroller, Treasurer, and Mr. Coventry (at his chamber) made up a list of such ships as are fit to be kept out for the winter guard, and the rest to be paid off by the Parliament when they can get money, which I doubt will not be a great while.
That done, I took coach, and called my wife at my father’s, and so homewards, calling at Thos. Pepys the turner’s for some things that we wanted. And so home, where I fell to read “The Fruitless Precaution” (a book formerly recommended by Dr. Clerke at sea to me), which I read in bed till I had made an end of it, and do find it the best writ tale that ever I read in my life. After that done to sleep, which I did not very well do, because that my wife having a stopping in her nose she snored much, which I never did hear her do before.
A great favour not yo have your quarters hung up!
I want to read A Fruitless Precaution now.
I want to read A Fruitless Precaution now.
I imagine it was probably a bit on the racy side then :0)
I just find this so intriguing! Do you think his father has remarried somewhere along the line or it means his wedding anniversary, and Pepys didn't even go but sent his wife. I doubt whether Carew is particularly bothered by what is happening to his quarters but I wonder were they given to the family for a burial or what happened to them instead.Reading a book until it's finished in my experience leads to very late nights! I think this is one of his most interesting days yet.
It must be the wedding anniversary mustn't it? - Sams mother is definitely alive and living with his father.
I guess the great favour must have been to let the family bury the body - in Wolf Hall I seem to remember Thomas Cromwell ordering that Thomas Moore's head should be given to his family to bury rather than put on an pike.
I really love reading one diary entry a day - I think you must get far more out of it than trying to read a whole chunk at once.
I guess the great favour must have been to let the family bury the body - in Wolf Hall I seem to remember Thomas Cromwell ordering that Thomas Moore's head should be given to his family to bury rather than put on an pike.
I really love reading one diary entry a day - I think you must get far more out of it than trying to read a whole chunk at once.
Tuesday 16 October 1660
This morning my brother Tom came to me, with whom I made even for my last clothes to this day, and having eaten a dish of anchovies with him in the morning, my wife and I did intend to go forth to see a play at the Cockpit this afternoon, but Mr. Moore coming to me, my wife staid at home, and he and I went out together, with whom I called at the upholsters and several other places that I had business with, and so home with him to the Cockpit, where, understanding that “Wit without money” was acted, I would not stay, but went home by water, by the way reading of the other two stories that are in the book that I read last night, which I do not like so well as it.
Being come home, Will. told me that my Lord had a mind to speak with me to-night; so I returned by water, and, coming there, it was only to enquire how the ships were provided with victuals that are to go with him to fetch over the Queen, which I gave him a good account of.
He seemed to be in a melancholy humour, which, I was told by W. Howe, was for that he had lately lost a great deal of money at cards, which he fears he do too much addict himself to now-a-days. So home by water and to bed.
This morning my brother Tom came to me, with whom I made even for my last clothes to this day, and having eaten a dish of anchovies with him in the morning, my wife and I did intend to go forth to see a play at the Cockpit this afternoon, but Mr. Moore coming to me, my wife staid at home, and he and I went out together, with whom I called at the upholsters and several other places that I had business with, and so home with him to the Cockpit, where, understanding that “Wit without money” was acted, I would not stay, but went home by water, by the way reading of the other two stories that are in the book that I read last night, which I do not like so well as it.
Being come home, Will. told me that my Lord had a mind to speak with me to-night; so I returned by water, and, coming there, it was only to enquire how the ships were provided with victuals that are to go with him to fetch over the Queen, which I gave him a good account of.
He seemed to be in a melancholy humour, which, I was told by W. Howe, was for that he had lately lost a great deal of money at cards, which he fears he do too much addict himself to now-a-days. So home by water and to bed.
What is it with these anchovies? Were they a staple part of the diet or is it just Pepys who likes them. Im glad he was disappointed at the theatre, serves him right for abandoning his wife in favour of his pal. Gambling addiction started a long time ago didn't it. Must be a basic flaw in human nature. Did caveman have a quick bet on how could catch an animal the fastest or who could collect the most berries?
I guess anchovies kept for ever and so we're far easier for people to get hold of than fresh fish?
I felt angry on poor Mrs Pepy's behalf too - rejected in favour of Mr Moore - I hope she was especially untidy with her belongings by way of revenge.
Funny how gambling debts were "debts of honour" which you would try and pay to your extremely rich friends as soon as possible whilst stringing the poor old tailor and grocer etc along for as long as possible.
I felt angry on poor Mrs Pepy's behalf too - rejected in favour of Mr Moore - I hope she was especially untidy with her belongings by way of revenge.
Funny how gambling debts were "debts of honour" which you would try and pay to your extremely rich friends as soon as possible whilst stringing the poor old tailor and grocer etc along for as long as possible.
Wednesday 17 October 1660
Office day. At noon came Mr. Creed to me, whom I took along with me to the Feathers in Fish Street, where I was invited by Captain Cuttance to dinner, a dinner made by Mr. Dawes and his brother. We had two or three dishes of meat well done; their great design was to get me concerned in a business of theirs about a vessel of theirs that is in the service, hired by the King, in which I promise to do them all the service I can. From thence home again with Mr. Crew , where I finding Mrs. The. Turner and her aunt Duke I would not be seen but walked in the garden till they were gone, where Mr. Spong came to me and Mr. Creed, Mr. Spong and I went to our music to sing, and he being gone, my wife and I went to put up my books in order in closet, and I to give her her books. After that to bed.
Office day. At noon came Mr. Creed to me, whom I took along with me to the Feathers in Fish Street, where I was invited by Captain Cuttance to dinner, a dinner made by Mr. Dawes and his brother. We had two or three dishes of meat well done; their great design was to get me concerned in a business of theirs about a vessel of theirs that is in the service, hired by the King, in which I promise to do them all the service I can. From thence home again with Mr. Crew , where I finding Mrs. The. Turner and her aunt Duke I would not be seen but walked in the garden till they were gone, where Mr. Spong came to me and Mr. Creed, Mr. Spong and I went to our music to sing, and he being gone, my wife and I went to put up my books in order in closet, and I to give her her books. After that to bed.
I wonder what was so awful about Mrs Turner and her aunt Duke?
I love the name "Mr Spong!"
I love the name "Mr Spong!"
Mod
Every time I try and sort out my library, I end up sat on the floor, deep in a book I'd forgotten I owned, surrounded by tottering piles of the contents of my bookshelves :0)
Mod
I love today's diary entry! I'm imaging Sam doing his best to keep out of the way of the two ladies he appears not to like. I should follow his lead on the book front, mine so need sorting out!!
I waste so much time when I'm looking for a book I know I have because they are in such a mess. It's nice to know others are as disorganised as me.As for our Sam, skulking around his own garden! Anxious about a couple of women! They must have ex lovers, real harridans or he owed them money.
Thursday 18 October 1660
This morning, it being expected that Colonel Hacker and Axtell should die, I went to Newgate, but found they were reprieved till to-morrow. So to my aunt Fenner’s, where with her and my uncle I drank my morning draft.
So to my father’s, and did give orders for a pair of black baize linings to be made me for my breeches against to-morrow morning, which was done. So to my Lord’s, where I spoke with my Lord, and he would have had me dine with him, but I went thence to Mr. Blackburne, where I met my wife and my Will’s father and mother (the first time that ever I saw them), where we had a very fine dinner. Mr. Creed was also there. This day by her high discourse I found Mrs. Blackburne to be a very high dame and a costly one.
Home with my wife by coach. This afternoon comes Mr. Chaplin and N. Osborn to my house, of whom I made very much, and kept them with me till late, and so to bed.
At my coming home, I did find that The. Turner hath sent for a pair of doves that my wife had promised her; and because she did not send them in the best cage, she sent them back again with a scornful letter, with which I was angry, but yet pretty well pleased that she was crossed.
This morning, it being expected that Colonel Hacker and Axtell should die, I went to Newgate, but found they were reprieved till to-morrow. So to my aunt Fenner’s, where with her and my uncle I drank my morning draft.
So to my father’s, and did give orders for a pair of black baize linings to be made me for my breeches against to-morrow morning, which was done. So to my Lord’s, where I spoke with my Lord, and he would have had me dine with him, but I went thence to Mr. Blackburne, where I met my wife and my Will’s father and mother (the first time that ever I saw them), where we had a very fine dinner. Mr. Creed was also there. This day by her high discourse I found Mrs. Blackburne to be a very high dame and a costly one.
Home with my wife by coach. This afternoon comes Mr. Chaplin and N. Osborn to my house, of whom I made very much, and kept them with me till late, and so to bed.
At my coming home, I did find that The. Turner hath sent for a pair of doves that my wife had promised her; and because she did not send them in the best cage, she sent them back again with a scornful letter, with which I was angry, but yet pretty well pleased that she was crossed.
What a rude lady The. Turner is!
I suppose Mrs Blackburne is what we would call high maintenance.
I suppose Mrs Blackburne is what we would call high maintenance.
I get the impression our man doesn't like costly dames! There was a lot of socialising to day, I wonder how much is work and how much pleasure.
I guess it was mainly what management types call "networking".
Friday 19th October 1660
Office in the morning. This morning my dining-room was finished with green serge hanging and gilt leather, which is very handsome.
This morning Hacker and Axtell were hanged and quartered, as the rest are.
This night I sat up late to make up my accounts ready against to-morrow for my Lord. I found him to be above 80l. in my debt, which is a good sight, and I bless God for it.
Office in the morning. This morning my dining-room was finished with green serge hanging and gilt leather, which is very handsome.
This morning Hacker and Axtell were hanged and quartered, as the rest are.
This night I sat up late to make up my accounts ready against to-morrow for my Lord. I found him to be above 80l. in my debt, which is a good sight, and I bless God for it.
The last sentence made me laugh out loud!
Mod
Yes, it's definitely better for the boss to owe you than the other way round. I quite fancy the green serge and gilt leather - I'm going through a bit of a green phase myself.
Saturday 20 October 1660
This morning one came to me to advise with me where to make me a window into my cellar in lieu of one which Sir W. Batten had stopped up, and going down into my cellar to look I stepped into a great heap of … by which I found that Mr. Turner’s house of office is full and comes into my cellar, which do trouble me, but I shall have it helped.
To my Lord’s by land, calling at several places about business, where I dined with my Lord and Lady; when he was very merry, and did talk very high how he would have a French cook, and a master of his horse, and his lady and child to wear black patches; which methought was strange, but he is become a perfect courtier; and, among other things, my Lady saying that she could get a good merchant for her daughter Jem., he answered, that he would rather see her with a pedlar’s pack at her back, so she married a gentleman, than she should marry a citizen.
This afternoon, going through London, and calling at Crowe’s the upholster’s, in Saint Bartholomew’s, I saw the limbs of some of our new traitors set upon Aldersgate, which was a sad sight to see; and a bloody week this and the last have been, there being ten hanged, drawn, and quartered. Home, and after writing a letter to my uncle by the post, I went to bed.
This morning one came to me to advise with me where to make me a window into my cellar in lieu of one which Sir W. Batten had stopped up, and going down into my cellar to look I stepped into a great heap of … by which I found that Mr. Turner’s house of office is full and comes into my cellar, which do trouble me, but I shall have it helped.
To my Lord’s by land, calling at several places about business, where I dined with my Lord and Lady; when he was very merry, and did talk very high how he would have a French cook, and a master of his horse, and his lady and child to wear black patches; which methought was strange, but he is become a perfect courtier; and, among other things, my Lady saying that she could get a good merchant for her daughter Jem., he answered, that he would rather see her with a pedlar’s pack at her back, so she married a gentleman, than she should marry a citizen.
This afternoon, going through London, and calling at Crowe’s the upholster’s, in Saint Bartholomew’s, I saw the limbs of some of our new traitors set upon Aldersgate, which was a sad sight to see; and a bloody week this and the last have been, there being ten hanged, drawn, and quartered. Home, and after writing a letter to my uncle by the post, I went to bed.
