Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 21: March/April 1662-63

Step into the bustling world of 1660s London through the eyes of a meticulous civil servant, who charts everything from a morning sermon in White Hall to the whispered rumors of peace between France and the Pope. His notes capture the rhythm of court life—glimpses of Lady Castlemaine, royal banquets, and heated parliamentary debates—while also revealing the ordinary concerns of housework and health.

Beyond the palace walls, he sails with commissioners on newly built yachts, samples fresh oysters and Dutch cheese, and observes the navy’s experiments with rope and iron fittings. A tumble over the rail leaves him with a sprained finger, a minor mishap that prompts a quick trip to the apothecary. Interlaced with witty commentary on fellow courtiers, lively coffee‑house conversations, and intimate family moments, these entries offer listeners an unvarnished portrait of Restoration England’s public and private spheres.