The Diary of Samuel Pepys

There is a neat linkage with the end of the previous year on January 1, as Pepys hears a report from Mrs. Sarah, a family friend, that the king is carrying on an ill-concealed affair with Lady Castlemaine.

As the Christmas season comes to an end on January 6 (Twelfth Day), Pepys is happy with the pleasures he experienced during the holiday yet mindful that he must now apply himself to “do my duty” (141) and obey his vows to abstain from pleasure. Yet, typically, Pepys’s resolution is weak: Two days later he is again attending a play with his wife (141).

On February 4 Pepys attends Apposition Day at St. Paul’s School, from which he graduated. Pepys visits London schools and colleges several times in the Diary to see graduation ceremonies or to attend scientific discussions. 

Pepys reaches a milestone on February 23 when he celebrates his 30th birthday. He marks the occasion by attending a play in contravention of his vow, which fills him with remorse and renews his resolve to deny himself pleasure.

As the year begins, Pepys and his wife experience intense domestic strife. First, they have a falling out about some clothes of Elizabeth’s that got left in a coach.