Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 07: August/September 1660

A fresh entry from the summer of 1660 places Samuel Pepys at the heart of the newly restored court, juggling his responsibilities as a clerk of the Privy Seal and a secretary to the Admiralty. He records the bustle of official business—signing bills, arranging naval finances, and awaiting royal warrants—while noting the everyday rhythms of travel by river and the occasional drink at a Strand tavern. Pepys’s meticulous observations capture both the procedural details of government work and the informal chatter of colleagues, giving listeners a vivid sense of Restoration bureaucracy.

Beyond the office, the diary opens a window onto Pepys’s personal world: meals with friends, a modest dinner at Dr. Clerke’s, and plans to visit the Red Bull Playhouse. He also mentions his wife’s lingering health concerns and his thoughts on letting a London house to tenants. The edition includes Lord Braybrooke’s scholarly notes and Wheatley’s additions, enriching the narrative with historical context while preserving Pepys’s own lively voice.