The Gray Monk

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February 21, 2004

And so to bed .....

Samuel Pepys diaries are a fascinating insight into the world of the 17th Century, and this little guy certainly wrote a pretty detailed account. His escapades with the ladies notwithstanding, he is the real father of the Royal Navy - and probably laid more of the groundwork for the build up of the fleet which would secure the empire it built than anyone else.

His days were packed full of business (he was Secretary for the Navy) and mischief. He seems to have spent a lot of time leaping into the beds of ladies the King had just left!

His account of the destruction of the City of London by the Great Fire of 1666 is still the most complete account anywhere. His own home, though threatened, was not destroyed and he was able to return there after the fire and continue his writing. Worth a read if you are interested in the history of this country at a key stage in its development.

So, perhaps his quirky penning of the phrase at the end of each day - "And so to bed" - had more going for it than meets the eye!

Unlike Mr Papys, I shall be retiring to my solitary bed - Good night.

Posted by The Gray Monk at February 21, 2004 11:58 PM

Comments

Posted by: Kathy K at February 22, 2004 02:48 AM