Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 20: January/February 1662-63

In early 1662 the diary captures a mix of bustling court life and quieter home scenes. He strolls through Whitehall, hears gossip of the king’s nightly meals with Lady Castlemaine, and notes the scandal that colors the aristocracy. A visit to the Duke’s house to watch a new tragedy leaves him surprisingly moved by the play’s moral depth.

Back at home, he shares simple meals with his wife, settles accounts with the Treasury, and watches a sick Sir William Penryne decline again. The entries reveal his careful bookkeeping, concerns over building expenses, and a tender, often humorous, dialogue with his wife about family matters. Through these modest details, listeners gain an intimate portrait of a 17th‑century civil servant balancing ambition, affection, and the everyday turbulence of Restoration England.