Samuel Pepys Biography

Samuel Pepys was an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament who is most known for the diaries which he wrote from 1660 to 1669. Born in London, the son of a tailor, he was educated at a local school and later completed his graduation from the prestigious Cambridge University. Subsequently, he was employed secretary to Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich. On January 1, 1660, Pepys started writing his most famous diary; his writings range from private revelations to major political events of the era. His entries contain thorough descriptions of the major events of 17th century England including Great Plague of London, the Second Dutch War, and the Great Fire of London. In 1669, however, due to fear of losing his eyesight, he was prompted to stop writing the diary although he never actually went blind. In his long and eminent career, he was appointed clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board and later also served as the Secretary to the Admiralty as well as a Member of Parliament. He was responsible for some important naval reforms which helped lay the foundations for a professional naval service. He was also arrested twice on account of treason suspicions but was subsequently cleared of all charges. With the overthrow of James II, Pepys’ career also came to an end and upon spending his last years in complete solace, Pepys died peacefully in his homeland