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Which major events in London did Samuel Pepys describe in his diary?
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Samuel Pepys
Samuel Pepys, oil painting by John Hayls, 1666; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Samuel Pepysâs diary, kept between 1660 and 1669, provides a vivid, firsthand account of several transformative events in London during the Restoration period. His entries offer detailed observations on both political shifts and major public crises.12
Key events described by Pepys include:
- The Restoration and Coronation: He recorded the proclamation of Charles II as king and the subsequent coronation, capturing the atmosphere of a city transitioning away from Puritan rule.12
- The Great Plague of London: Pepys documented the horrors of the Great Plague of London in 1665.12
- The Great Fire of London: He provided a dramatic, eyewitness account of the Great Fire of London in September 1666, describing the destruction of the city and his own efforts to save his home and belongings.123
- Political and Social Milestones: He noted the reopening of theaters and the first appearance of women on the English stage, as well as the sudden, jubilant public reaction when General George Monckâs soldiers marched into London to call for a free Parliament.12