Samuel Pepys Brown Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Samuel Pepys was an influential figure in 17th century England, best known for his detailed private diary that provides a fascinating glimpse into life during the English Restoration period. Born in 1633, Pepys was the son of John Pepys, a tailor. He attended Cambridge University and embarked on a career as a naval administrator.

Pepys’ most notable role was as Secretary of the Admiralty, a position he held twice. In this capacity, he played a key part in professionalizing the Royal Navy and making it a formidable force. He was also briefly a Member of Parliament. Later in life, Pepys was elected President of the Royal Society, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and influence.

However, Pepys’ lasting legacy is undoubtedly his diary. Kept from 1660 to 1669, it records both momentous events like the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London, as well as intimate details of his daily life and relationships. The diary was written in a form of shorthand and not published until the 19th century. Today, it is considered an unparalleled historical resource and a masterpiece of English literature.

Pepys had residences in several locations around London. The house that formerly stood on this site on Buckingham Street was one of them. Buckingham Street is located near the River Thames in central London, close to significant sites like Trafalgar Square and Whitehall that Pepys would have known well.

Pepys’ life was not without controversy – he was imprisoned in the Tower of London at one point, and his frank descriptions of his extramarital affairs shocked some readers. However, his contributions to public life, and the unique window his diaries provide into his world, cement his status as a key figure in English history.