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Feature

The Hidden Diary of Samuel Pepys

When Samuel Pepys' diary was first published 200 years ago it was an
instant hit, but rumours soon spread about what had been cut and why.

Kate Loveman | Published in History Today Volume 75 Issue 6 June 2025
Portrait of Samuel Pepys by John Riley, late 17th century. Yale
University Art Gallery. Public Domain.

In June 1825 Samuel Pepys' diary was published for the first time. It
was an instant hit. Newspapers were soon full of reviews quoting
memorable passages from this secret journal: Pepys' descriptions of
the Great Fire of London, his new wig, and his first ever 'Cupp of
Tee' were among the favourites. Further editions followed, and by the
end of the 19th century the diary was celebrated as a classic of
British history and literature. Today, Pepys is the star of museum
exhibits and historical novels. Excerpts from his diary are often
used to introduce students to the Restoration period and, indeed, to
introduce history: across England, six-year-olds following the
National Curriculum can tell you about how Pepys buried his expensive
cheese to protect it from the fire.

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