The Diary of Samuel Pepys

Samuel PepysNonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1660

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

First Year, 1660

Second Year, 1661

Third Year, 1662

Fourth Year, 1663

Fifth Year, 1664

Sixth Year, 1665

Seventh Year, 1666

Eighth Year, 1667

Ninth Year, 1668

Tenth Year, 1669

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Index of Terms

The Rump

Pepys’s references to “the Rump” signify the Rump Parliament, a particular formation or phase of the parliament during the 1640s and 50s. Derived from the Long Parliament, it was the Rump Parliament that opposed King Charles I and voted for the trial that led to his execution. The Rump Parliament was dissolved in 1653 and returned briefly to power in 1659-60.

White Hall

Whitehall Palace was the royal residence, located in Westminster, London. Pepys frequently mentions going to White Hall for official business.

Westminster

Borough of London containing many important government buildings and churches, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. Pepys frequently mentions going to Westminster for official business, especially relating to parliament activities.

Foxed/in a pickle

Colloquialisms for confused or befuddled and, by extension, drunk. Pepys uses this term to describe a number of people of his acquaintance including his aunt.

Coxcomb

A conceited, foolish dandy (Merriam Webster’s), derived from “cock’s comb” (the crest on a rooster’s head). Pepys uses it to describe a number of vain men of his acquaintance.

Fox Hall

Vauxhall Gardens, a popular pleasure park in the London borough of Kennington, built during the Restoration period. Pepys goes there with his family and other friends on two occasions (the first on May 29 of the Third Year) to enjoy the sights and amusements.

Victualling

From victuals (pronounced “vittles,” food supplies, provisions), the supply of food, especially to a ship. One of Pepys’s duties as a Navy official, especially during the Anglo-Dutch war.