Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 50: February 1666-67

In this vivid entry from February 1666, the diarist offers a day‑by‑day glimpse into the bustling world of Restoration London. He moves from the Admiralty’s paperwork to the mist‑laden docks of Deptford, negotiating shipbuilding contracts while noting the personalities that populate his office and the streets. Alongside the official business, his observations of family meals, music practice, and the occasional scandal provide a human texture to the era.

The entries also capture the pulse of national affairs, from rumors about Prince Rupert’s health to discussions with senior officials about naval provisioning. Interwoven with these larger concerns are intimate moments—candlelit dinners with his wife, visits to taverns, and the simple pleasure of a newly acquired silver snuff box. Listeners are invited to hear the cadence of his shorthand‑transcribed thoughts, a blend of duty, curiosity, and the everyday drama of 17th‑century life.