Stuff You Missed in History Class SYMHC Classics: Samuel Pepys
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Feb 7, 2026 A lively tour through Samuel Pepys's life, from his naval career and administrative reforms to his vivid accounts of plague, the Great Fire, and naval warfare. The hosts unpack his turbulent marriage, health crises, scandals, and society ties. They also trace the diary’s shorthand, censorship, later restoration, and the quirky daily anecdotes that bring 17th-century London to life.
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Self-Taught Naval Reformer
- Pepys learned naval administration on the job, studying maths and ship terms to close knowledge gaps.
- His diligence let him push efficiency and reform despite opposition from entrenched colleagues.
Diaries From The Plague
- Pepys recorded the Great Plague of 1665 with death tolls and communal fear, noting weekly figures in his diary.
- He and other Londoners marked a day of thanksgiving when the plague waned in November 1665.
Witness To The Great Fire
- Pepys chronicled the Great Fire of London in real time, tracking progression and containment efforts.
- The fire lingered in his mind for months, affecting daily life and sightings of smoke.
