Biography of John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley 1602-1678
Paternal Family Tree: Berkeley
In 1602 John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley was born to Maurice Berkeley (age 26) and Elizabeth Killigrew (age 23).
In 1617 [his father] Maurice Berkeley (age 41) died.
On 18 Apr 1626 [his mother] Elizabeth Killigrew (age 47) died.
In 1638 John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 36) was knighted at Berwick on Tweed [Map].
On 21 Jul 1644 Princess Henrietta Stewart Duchess Orléans was baptised at Exeter Cathedral [Map]. John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 42) attended. Elizabeth Villiers Countess Morton (age 35) was her godmother in whose care she was left.
On 10 Nov 1647 King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 46) escaped from Hampton Court Palace, Richmond [Map] with John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 45).
On 19 May 1658 John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 56) was created 1st Baron Berkeley of Stratton in Cornwall for having been governor to the King James II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 24) in their travels through the Low Countrries. [his future wife] Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley (age 20) by marriage Baroness Berkeley of Stratton in Cornwall.
On 14 Feb 1659 Henry Rich (age 17) and [his future wife] Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley (age 21) were married. He the son of Robert Rich 5th Earl Warwick 2nd Earl Holland (age 40) and Elizabeth Ingram Countess Holland (age 36).
Pepy's Diary. 02 Jul 1660. Infinite of business that my heart and head and all were full. Met with purser Washington, with whom and a lady, a friend of his, I dined at the Bell Tavern in King Street, but the rogue had no more manners than to invite me and to let me pay my club. All the afternoon with my Lord, going up and down the town; at seven at night he went home, and there the principal Officers of the Navy1, among the rest myself was reckoned one. We had order to meet to-morrow, to draw up such an order of the Council as would put us into action before our patents were passed. At which my heart was glad. At night supped with my Lord, he and I together, in the great dining-room alone by ourselves, the first time I ever did it in London. Home to bed, my maid pretty well again.
Note 1. A list of the Officers of the Admiralty, May 31st, 1660. From a MS. in the Pepysian Library in Pepys's own handwriting. His Royal Highness James, Duke of York, Lord High Admiral, Sir George Carteret (age 50), Treasurer, Sir Robert Slingsby (age 49), (soon after) Comptroller. Sir William Batten (age 59), Surveyor. Samuel Pepys, Esq., Clerk of the Acts. John, Lord Berkeley (age 58) (of Stratton,) Sir William Pen (age 39), Commissioners. Peter Pett, Esq. B.
Pepy's Diary. 11 Jul 1660. With Sir W. Pen (age 39) by water to the Navy office, where we met, and dispatched business. And that being done, we went all to dinner to the Dolphin, upon Major Brown's invitation. After that to the office again, where I was vexed, and so was Commissioner Pett (age 49), to see a busy fellow come to look out the best lodgings for my Lord Barkley (age 58), and the combining between him and Sir W. Pen (age 39); and, indeed, was troubled much at it. Home to White Hall, and took out my bill signed by the King, and carried it to Mr. Watkins of the Privy Seal to be despatched there, and going home to take a cap, I borrowed a pair of sheets of Mr. Howe, and by coach went to the Navy office, and lay (Mr. Hater, my clerk, with me) at Commissioner Willoughby's' house, where I was received by him very civilly and slept well.
Pepy's Diary. 12 Jul 1660. Up early and by coach to White Hall with Commissioner Pett (age 49), where, after we had talked with my Lord, I went to the Privy Seal and got my bill perfected there, and at the Signet: and then to the House of Lords, and met with Mr. Kipps, who directed me to Mr. Beale (age 28) to get my patent engrossed; but he not having time to get it done in Chancery-hand, I was forced to run all up and down Chancery-lane, and the Six Clerks' Office1 but could find none that could write the hand, that were at leisure. And so in a despair went to the Admiralty, where we met the first time there, my Lord Montagu, my Lord Barkley (age 58), Mr. Coventry (age 32), and all the rest of the principal Officers and Commissioners, [except] only the Controller, who is not yet chosen. At night to Mr. Kipps's lodgings, but not finding him, I went to Mr. Spong's and there I found him and got him to come to me to my Lord's lodgings at 11 o'clock of night, when I got him to take my bill to write it himself (which was a great providence that he could do it) against to-morrow morning. I late writing letters to sea by the post, and so home to bed. In great trouble because I heard at Mr. Beale's (age 28) to-day that Barlow had been there and said that he would make a stop in the business.
Note 1. The Six Clerks' Office was in Chancery Lane, near the Holborn end. The business of the office was to enrol commissions, pardons, patents, warrants, &c., that had passed the Great Seal; also other business in Chancery. In the early history of the Court of Chancery, the Six Clerks and their under-clerks appear to have acted as the attorneys of the suitors. As business increased, these under-clerks became a distinct body, and were recognized by the court under the denomination of 'sworn clerks,' or 'clerks in court.' The advance of commerce, with its consequent accession of wealth, so multiplied the subjects requiring the judgment of a Court of Equity, that the limits of a public office were found wholly inadequate to supply a sufficient number of officers to conduct the business of the suitors. Hence originated the 'Solicitors' of the "Court of Chancery". See Smith's "Chancery Practice", p. 62, 3rd edit. The "Six Clerks" were abolished by act of Parliament, 5 Vict. c. 5.
Pepy's Diary. 10 Dec 1660. Up exceedingly early to go to the Comptroller, but he not being up and it being a very fine, bright, moonshine morning I went and walked all alone twenty turns in Cornhill [Map], from Gracious Street corner to the Stockes and back again, from 6 o'clock till past 7, so long that I was weary, and going to the Comptroller's thinking to find him ready, I found him gone, at which I was troubled, and being weary went home, and from thence with my wife by water to Westminster, and put her to my father Bowyer's (they being newly come out of the country), but I could not stay there, but left her there. I to the Hall and there met with Col. Slingsby (age 49). So hearing that the Duke of York (age 27) is gone down this morning, to see the ship sunk yesterday at Woolwich, Kent [Map], he and I returned by his coach to the office, and after that to dinner. After dinner he came to me again and sat with me at my house, ands among other discourse he told me that it is expected that the Duke will marry the Lord Chancellor's (age 51) daughter at last which is likely to be the ruin of Mr. Davis and my Lord Barkley (age 58), who have carried themselves so high against the Chancellor; Sir Chas. Barkley (age 30) swearing that he and others had lain with her often, which all believe to be a lie. He and I in the evening to the Coffee House in Cornhill [Map], the first time that ever I was there, and I found much pleasure in it, through the diversity of company and discourse.
Pepy's Diary. 27 Jun 1662. So to my Lord, who rose as soon as he heard I was there; and in his nightgown and shirt stood talking with me alone two hours, I believe, concerning his greatest matters of state and interest. Among other things, that his greatest design is, first, to get clear of all debts to the King (age 32) for the Embassy money, and then a pardon. Then, to get his land settled; and then to, discourse and advise what is best for him, whether to keep his sea employment longer or no. For he do discern that the Duke would be willing to have him out, and that by Coventry's means. And here he told me, how the terms at Argier were wholly his; and that he did plainly tell Lawson (age 47) and agree with him, that he would have the honour of them, if they should ever be agreed to; and that accordingly they did come over hither entitled, "Articles concluded on by Sir J. Lawson (age 47), according to instructions received from His Royal Highness James Duke of York (age 28), &c., and from His Excellency the Earle of Sandwich". (Which however was more than needed; but Lawson tells my Lord in his letter, that it was not he, but the Council of Warr that would have "His Royal Highness" put into the title, though he did not contribute one word to it.) But the Duke of York (age 28) did yesterday propose them to the Council, to be printed with this title: "Concluded on, by Sir J. Lawson (age 47), Knt". and my Lord quite left out. Here I find my Lord very politique; for he tells me, that he discerns they design to set up Lawson as much as they can and that he do counterplot them by setting him up higher still; by which they will find themselves spoiled of their design, and at last grow jealous of Lawson. This he told me with much pleasure; and that several of the Duke's servants, by name my Lord Barkeley (age 60), Mr. Talbot (age 32), and others, had complained to my Lord, of Coventry, and would have him out. My Lord do acknowledge that his greatest obstacle is Coventry. He did seem to hint such a question as this: "Hitherto I have been supported by the King (age 32) and Chancellor against the Duke; but what if it should come about, that it should be the Duke and Chancellor against the King (age 32)?" which, though he said it in these plain words, yet I could not fully understand it; but may more here after. My Lord did also tell me, that the Duke himself at Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] did thank my Lord for all his pains and care; and that he perceived it must be the old Captains that must do the business; and that the new ones would spoil all. And that my Lord did very discreetly tell the Duke (though quite against his judgement and inclination), that, however, the King's new captains ought to be borne with a little and encouraged. By which he will oblige that party, and prevent, as much as may be, their envy; but he says that certainly things will go to rack if ever the old captains should be wholly out, and the new ones only command.
In 1663 [his son] John Berkeley 3rd Baron Berkeley was born to John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 61) and [his future wife] Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley (age 25).
After 1663 [his son] William Berkeley 4th Baron Berkeley was born to John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 61) and [his future wife] Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley (age 25).
Pepy's Diary. 22 Mar 1663. So home and to church, where a dull formall fellow that prayed for the Right Hon. John Lord Barkeley (age 61), Lord President of Connaught, &c.
Pepy's Diary. 25 May 1663. So by and by to dinner, and then carried my wife and Ashwell to St. James's, and there they sat in the coach while I went in, and finding nobody there likely to meet with the Duke, but only Sir J. Minnes (age 64) with my Lord Barkely (age 61) (who speaks very kindly, and invites me with great compliments to come now and then and eat with him, which I am glad to hear, though I value not the thing, but it implies that my esteem do increase rather than fall), and so I staid not, but into the coach again, and taking up my wife's taylor, it raining hard, they set me down, and who should our coachman be but Carleton the Vintner, that should have had Mrs. Sarah, at Westminster, my Chancellor's (age 54), and then to Paternoster Row [Map]. I staid there to speak with my Lord Sandwich (age 37), and in my staying, meeting Mr. Lewis Phillips of Brampton, he and afterwards others tell me that news came last night to Court, that the King of France (age 24) is sick of the spotted fever, and that they are struck in again; and this afternoon my Lord Mandeville (age 29) is gone from the King (age 32) to make him a visit; which will be great news, and of great import through Europe.
Pepy's Diary. 04 Jul 1663. The Duke (age 29) being ready, we retired with him, and there fell upon Mr. Creed's business, where the Treasurer (age 56) did, like a mad coxcomb, without reason or method run over a great many things against the account, and so did Sir J. Minnes (age 64) and Sir W. Batten (age 62), which the Duke himself and Mr. Coventry (age 35) and my Lord Barkely (age 61) and myself did remove, and Creed being called in did answer all with great method and excellently to the purpose (myself I am a little conscious did not speak so well as I purposed and do think I used to do, that is, not so intelligibly and persuasively, as I well hoped I should), not that what I said was not well taken, and did carry the business with what was urged and answered by Creed and Mr. Coventry (age 35), till the Duke himself did declare that he was satisfied, and my Lord Barkely (age 61) offered to lay £100 that the King (age 33) would receive no wrong in the account, and the two last knights held their tongues, or at least by not understanding it did say what made for Mr. Creed, and so Sir G. Carteret (age 53) was left alone, but yet persisted to say that the account was not good, but full of corruption and foul dealing. And so we broke up to his shame, but I do fear to the loss of his friendship to me a good while, which I am heartily troubled for.
Pepy's Diary. 26 Jul 1663. Thence I walked with Creed to Mr. Minnes's house, which has now a very good way made to it, and thence to Durdans and walked round it and within the Court Yard and to the Bowling-green, where I have seen so much mirth in my time; but now no family in it (my Lord Barkeley (age 61), whose it is, being with his family at London), and so up and down by Minnes's wood, with great pleasure viewing my old walks, and where Mrs. Hely and I did use to walk and talk, with whom I had the first sentiments of love and pleasure in woman's company, discourse, and taking her by the hand, she being a pretty woman.
Pepy's Diary. 19 Oct 1663. Back to St. James's, and there dined with my Lord Barkeley (age 61) and his [his future wife] lady (age 25), where Sir G. Carteret (age 53), Sir W. Batten (age 62), and myself, with two gentlemen more; my Lady, and one of the ladies of honour to the Duchesse (age 26) (no handsome woman, but a most excellent hand).
Pepy's Diary. 19 Oct 1663. After being a little with the Duke (age 30), and being invited to dinner to my Lord Barkeley's (age 61), and so, not knowing how to spend our time till noon, Sir W. Batten (age 62) and I took coach, and to the Coffee-house in Cornhill [Map]1; where much talk about the Turk's proceedings, and that the plague is got to Amsterdam, brought by a ship from Argier; and it is also carried to Hambrough. The Duke says the King (age 33) purposes to forbid any of their ships coming into the river. The Duke also told us of several Christian commanders (French) gone over to the Turks to serve them; and upon inquiry I find that the King of France (age 25) do by this aspire to the Empire, and so to get the Crown of Spayne also upon the death of the King (age 33), which is very probable, it seems.
Note 1. This may be the Coffee House in Exchange Alley, which had for a sign, Morat the Great, or The Great Turk, where coffee was sold in berry, in powder, and pounded in a mortar. There is a token of the house, see "Boyne's Tokens", ed. Williamson, vol. i., p. 592.
Pepy's Diary. 08 Dec 1663. Lay long in bed, and then up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and among other things my Lord Barkely (age 61) called in question his clerk Mr. Davy for something which Sir W. Batten (age 62) and I did tell him yesterday, but I endeavoured to make the least of it, and so all was put up.
Pepy's Diary. 12 Dec 1663. This day I heard my Lord Barkeley (age 61) tell Sir G. Carteret (age 53) that he hath letters from France that the King (age 33) hath unduked twelve Dukes, only to show his power and to crush his nobility, who he said he did see had heretofore laboured to cross him. And this my Lord Barkeley (age 61) did mightily magnify, as a sign of a brave and vigorous mind, that what he saw fit to be done he dares do.
Pepy's Diary. 15 Dec 1663. So up and to the office, where the greatest business was Sir J. Minnes (age 64) and Sir W. Batten (age 62) against me for Sir W. Warren's contract for masts, to which I may go to my memorandum book to see what past, but came off with conquest, and my Lord Barkely (age 61) and Mr. Coventry (age 35) well convinced that we are well used.
Pepy's Diary. 11 Jan 1664. Waked this morning by 4 o'clock by my wife to call the mayds to their wash, and what through my sleeping so long last night and vexation for the lazy sluts lying so long again and their great wash, neither my wife nor I could sleep one winke after that time till day, and then I rose and by coach (taking Captain Grove with me and three bottles of Tent, which I sent to Mrs. Lane by my promise on Saturday night last) to White Hall, and there with the rest of our company to the Duke (age 30) and did our business, and thence to the Tennis Court till noon, and there saw several great matches played, and so by invitation to St. James's; where, at Mr. Coventry's (age 36) chamber, I dined with my Lord Barkeley (age 62), Sir G. Carteret (age 54), Sir Edward Turner (age 47), Sir Ellis Layton, and one Mr. Seymour (age 31), a fine gentleman; were admirable good discourse of all sorts, pleasant and serious.
Pepy's Diary. 04 Apr 1664. Afterwards I spoke with my Lord Barkeley (age 62) and my Lord Peterborough (age 42) about it. And so staid without a good while, and saw my Lady Peters, an impudent jade, soliciting all the Lords on her behalf.
Pepy's Diary. 14 Jun 1664. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and had great conflict about the flags again, and am vexed methought to see my Lord Berkeley (age 62) not satisfied with what I said, but however I stop the King's being abused by the flag makers for the present. I do not know how it may end, but I will do my best to preserve it.
Pepy's Diary. 25 Jul 1664. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes (age 65) and Sir W. Batten (age 63) by coach to St. James's, but there the Duke (age 30) being gone out we to my Lord Berkeley's (age 62) chamber, Mr. Coventry (age 36) being there, and among other things there met with a printed copy of the King's commission for the repair of Paul's, which is very large, and large power for collecting money, and recovering of all people that had bought or sold formerly any thing belonging to the Church. And here I find my Lord Mayor of the City (age 48) set in order before the Archbishopp (age 66) or any nobleman, though all the greatest officers of state are there. But yet I do not hear by my Lord Berkeley (age 62), who is one of them, that any thing is like to come of it.
Pepy's Diary. 18 Oct 1664. Thence I with Mr. Gray in his coach to White Hall, but the King (age 34) and Duke being abroad, we returned to Somersett House [Map]. In discourse I find him a very worthy and studious gentleman in the business of trade, and among-other things he observed well to me, how it is not the greatest wits, but the steady man, that is a good merchant: he instanced in Ford and Cocke, the last of whom he values above all men as his oracle, as Mr. Coventry (age 36) do Mr. Jolliffe. He says that it is concluded among merchants, that where a trade hath once been and do decay, it never recovers again, and therefore that the manufacture of cloath of England will never come to esteem again; that, among other faults, Sir Richard Ford (age 50) cannot keepe a secret, and that it is so much the part of a merchant to be guilty of that fault that the Duke of Yoke is resolved to commit no more secrets to the merchants of the Royall Company; that Sir Ellis Layton is, for a speech of forty words, the wittiest man that ever he knew in his life, but longer he is nothing, his judgment being nothing at all, but his wit most absolute. At Somersett House [Map] he carried me in, and there I saw the Queene's (age 54) new rooms, which are most stately and nobly furnished; and there I saw her, and the Duke of Yorke (age 31) and Duchesse (age 27) were there. The Duke (age 31) espied me, and came to me, and talked with me a very great while about our contract this day with Sir W. Warren, and among other things did with some contempt ask whether we did except Polliards, which Sir W. Batten (age 63) did yesterday (in spite, as the Duke I believe by my Lord Barkely (age 62) do well enough know) among other things in writing propose.
Pepy's Diary. 08 Nov 1664. At noon, I and Sir J. Minnes (age 65) and Lord Barkeley (age 62) (who with Sir J. Duncum (age 42), and Mr. Chichly (age 50), are made Masters of the Ordnance), to the office of the Ordnance, to discourse about wadding for guns.
Pepy's Diary. 11 Nov 1664. After dinner out again by coach to my Chancellor's (age 55), but could not speak with him, then up and down to seek Sir Ph. Warwicke (age 54), Sir G. Carteret (age 54), and my Lord Berkeley (age 62), but failed in all, and so home and there late at business. Among other things Mr. Turner making his complaint to me how my clerks do all the worke and get all the profit, and he hath no comfort, nor cannot subsist, I did make him apprehend how he is beholding to me more than to any body for my suffering him to act as Pourveyour of petty provisions, and told him so largely my little value of any body's favour, that I believe he will make no complaints again a good while.
Pepy's Diary. 12 Nov 1664. Up, being frighted that Mr. Coventry (age 36) was come to towne and now at the office, so I run down without eating or drinking or washing to the office and it proved my Lord Berkeley (age 62).
Pepy's Diary. 29 Nov 1664. Up, and with Sir W. Batten (age 63) to the Committee of Lords at the Council Chamber, where Sir G. Carteret (age 54) told us what he had said to the King (age 34), and how the King (age 34) inclines to our request of making us Commissioners of the Prize office, but meeting him anon in the gallery, he tells me that my Lord Barkely (age 62) is angry we should not acquaint him with it, so I found out my Lord and pacified him, but I know not whether he was so in earnest or no, for he looked very frowardly.
Pepy's Diary. 03 Dec 1664. Up, and at the office all the morning, and at noon to Mr. Cutler's, and there dined with Sir W. Rider and him, and thence Sir W. Rider and I by coach to White Hall to a Committee of the Fishery; there only to hear Edward Ford's (age 59) proposal about farthings, wherein, O God! to see almost every body interested for him; only my Lord Annesly (age 43), who is a grave, serious man. My Lord Barkeley (age 62) was there, but is the most hot, fiery man in discourse, without any cause, that ever I saw, even to breach of civility to my Lord Anglesey (age 50), in his discourse opposing to my Lord's. At last, though without much satisfaction to me, it was voted that it should be requested of the King (age 34), and that Edward Ford's (age 59) proposal is the best yet made.
Before 1665 John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 63) and Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley (age 26) were married. The difference in their ages was 36 years.
In 1665 [his daughter] Anne Berkeley Lady Cullum was born to John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 63) and [his wife] Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley (age 27).
Pepy's Diary. 09 Jan 1665. Thence to White Hall to a Tangier Committee, where I was accosted and most highly complimented by my Lord Bellasses (age 50)1, our new governor, beyond my expectation, or measure I could imagine he would have given any man, as if I were the only person of business that he intended to rely on, and desires my correspondence with him. This I was not only surprized at, but am well pleased with, and may make good use of it. Our patent is renewed, and he and my Lord Barkeley (age 63), and Sir Thomas Ingram (age 50) put in as commissioners. Here some business happened which may bring me some profit.
Note 1. John Belasyse (age 50), second son of Thomas, first Viscount Fauconberg, created Baron Belasyse of Worlaby, January 27th, 1644, Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Governor of Hull. He was appointed Governor of Tangier, and Captain of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners. He was a Roman Catholic, and therefore was deprived of all his appointments in 1672 by the provisions of the Test Act, but in 1684 James II made him First Commissioner of the Treasury. He died 1689.
Pepy's Diary. 16 Jan 1665. Thence to visit my Lady Sandwich (age 40) and so to a Tangier Committee, where a great company of the new Commissioners, Lords, that in behalfe of my Lord Bellasses (age 50) are very loud and busy and call for Povy's (age 51) accounts, but it was a most sorrowful thing to see how he answered to questions so little to the purpose, but to his owne wrong. All the while I sensible how I am concerned in my bill of £100 and somewhat more. So great a trouble is fear, though in a case that at the worst will bear enquiry. My Lord Barkeley (age 63) was very violent against Povy (age 51). But my Lord Ashly (age 43), I observe, is a most clear man in matters of accounts, and most ingeniously did discourse and explain all matters. We broke up, leaving the thing to a Committee of which I am one. Povy (age 51), Creed, and I staid discoursing, I much troubled in mind seemingly for the business, but indeed only on my own behalf, though I have no great reason for it, but so painfull a thing is fear. So after considering how to order business, Povy (age 51) and I walked together as far as the New Exchange and so parted, and I by coach home.
Pepy's Diary. 19 Jan 1665. So home by coach, with my Lord Barkeley (age 63), who, by his discourse, I find do look upon Mr. Coventry (age 37) as an enemy but yet professes great justice and pains. I at home after dinner to the office, and there sat all the afternoon and evening, and then home to supper and to bed.
Pepy's Diary. 17 Feb 1665. Up, and it being bitter cold, and frost and snow, which I had thought had quite left us, I by coach to Povy's (age 51), where he told me, as I knew already, how he was handled the other day, and is still, by my Lord Barkeley (age 63), and among other things tells me, what I did not know, how my Lord Barkeley (age 63) will say openly, that he hath fought more set fields [Battles or actions] than any man in England hath done. I did my business with him, which was to get a little sum of money paid, and so home with Mr. Andrews, who met me there, and there to the office.
Pepy's Diary. 20 Feb 1665. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes (age 65) to attend the Duke (age 31), and then we back again and rode into the beginning of my Chancellor's (age 56) new house, near St. James's; which common people have already called Dunkirke-house, from their opinion of his having a good bribe for the selling of that towne. And very noble I believe it will be. Near that is my Lord Barkeley (age 63) beginning another on one side, and Sir J. Denham (age 50) on the other.
Pepy's Diary. 27 Feb 1665. At noon to the 'Change [Map] to inquire what wages the Dutch give in their men-of-warr at this day, and I hear for certain they give but twelve guilders at most, which is not full 24s., a thing I wonder at. At home to dinner, and then in Sir J. Minnes's (age 65) coach, my wife and I with him, and also Mercer, abroad, he and I to White Hall, and he would have his coach to wait upon my wife on her visits, it being the first time my wife hath been out of doors (but the other day to bathe her) several weeks. We to a Committee of the Council to discourse concerning pressing of men; but, Lord! how they meet; never sit down: one comes, now another goes, then comes another; one complaining that nothing is done, another swearing that he hath been there these two hours and nobody come. At last it come to this, my Lord Annesly (age 43), says he, "I think we must be forced to get the King (age 34) to come to every committee; for I do not see that we do any thing at any time but when he is here". And I believe he said the truth and very constant he is at the council table on council-days; which his predecessors, it seems, very rarely did; but thus I perceive the greatest affair in the world at this day is likely to be managed by us. But to hear how my Lord Barkeley (age 63) and others of them do cry up the discipline of the late times here, and in the former Dutch warr is strange, wishing with all their hearts that the business of religion were not so severely carried on as to discourage the sober people to come among us, and wishing that the same law and severity were used against drunkennesse as there was then, saying that our evil living will call the hand of God upon us again.
Pepy's Diary. 10 Mar 1665. Home to dinner, and thence to the Committee of Tangier at White Hall, where my Lord Barkely (age 63) and Craven and others; but, Lord! to see how superficially things are done in the business of the Lottery, which will be the disgrace of the Fishery, and without profit.
Pepy's Diary. 12 Mar 1665. By and by comes in my Lord, and he and I to talke of many things in the Navy, one from another, in general, to see how the greatest things are committed to very ordinary men, as to parts and experience, to do; among others, my Lord Barkeley (age 63). We talked also of getting W. Howe to be put into the Muster-Mastershipp in the roome of Creed, if Creed will give way, but my Lord do it without any great gusto, calling Howe a proud coxcomb in passion.
Pepy's Diary. 17 Mar 1665. Thence to the Committee of Tangier, where the Duke (age 31) a little, and then left us and we staid. A very great Committee, the Lords Albemarle (age 56), Sandwich (age 39), Barkely (age 63), Fitzharding (age 35), Peterborough (age 43), Ashley (age 43), Sir Thos. Ingram (age 50), Sir G. Carteret (age 55) and others. The whole business was the stating of Povy's (age 51) accounts, of whom to say no more, never could man say worse himself nor have worse said of him than was by the company to his face; I mean, as to his folly and very reflecting words to his honesty. Broke up without anything but trouble and shame, only I got my businesses done to the signing of two bills for the Contractors and Captain Taylor, and so come away well pleased, and home, taking up my wife at the 'Change [Map], to dinner.
Pepy's Diary. 20 Mar 1665. So to White Hall to the Committee of Tangier, where there were present, my Lord of Albemarle (age 56), my Lord Peterborough (age 43), Sandwich, Barkeley (age 63), FitzHarding (age 35), Secretary Bennet (age 47), Sir Thomas Ingram (age 50), Sir John Lawson (age 50), Povy (age 51) and I Where, after other business, Povy (age 51) did declare his business very handsomely; that he was sorry he had been so unhappy in his accounts, as not to give their Lordships the satisfaction he intended, and that he was sure his accounts are right, and continues to submit them to examination, and is ready to lay down in ready money the fault of his account; and that for the future, that the work might be better done and with more quiet to him, he desired, by approbation of the Duke (age 31), he might resign his place to Mr. Pepys. Whereupon, Secretary Bennet (age 47) did deliver the Duke's (age 31) command, which was received with great content and allowance beyond expectation; the Secretary repeating also the Duke's character of me. And I could discern my Lord FitzHarding (age 35) was well pleased with me, and signified full satisfaction, and whispered something seriously of me to the Secretary. And there I received their constitution under all their hands presently; so that I am already confirmed their Treasurer, and put into a condition of striking of tallys1 and all without one harsh word or word of dislike, but quite the contrary; which is a good fortune beyond all imagination. Here we rose, and Povy (age 51) and Creed and I, all full of joy, thence to dinner, they setting me down at Sir J. Winter's, by promise, and dined with him; and a worthy fine man he seems to be, and of good discourse, our business was to discourse of supplying the King (age 34) with iron for anchors, if it can be judged good enough, and a fine thing it is to see myself come to the condition of being received by persons of this rank, he being, and having long been, Secretary to the Queene-Mother (age 26).
Note 1. The practice of striking tallies at the Exchequer was a curious survival of an ancient method of keeping accounts. The method adopted is described in Hubert Hall's "Antiquities and Curiosities of the Exchequer", 1891. The following account of the use of tallies, so frequently alluded to in the Diary, was supplied by Lord Braybrooke. Formerly accounts were kept, and large sums of money paid and received, by the King's Exchequer, with little other form than the exchange or delivery of tallies, pieces of wood notched or scored, corresponding blocks being kept by the parties to the account; and from this usage one of the head officers of the Exchequer was called the tallier, or teller. These tallies were often negotiable; Adam Smith, in his "Wealth of Nations", book ii., ch. xi., says that "in 1696 tallies had been at forty, and fifty, and sixty per cent. discount, and bank-notes at twenty per cent". The system of tallies was discontinued in 1824; and the destruction of the old Houses of Parliament, in the night of October 16th, 1834, is thought to have been occasioned by the overheating of the flues, when the furnaces were employed to consume the tallies rendered useless by the alteration in the mode of keeping the Exchequer accounts.
Pepy's Diary. 27 Mar 1665. Thence visited my Lord Barkeley (age 63), and did sit discoursing with him in his chamber a good while, and (he) mighty friendly to me about the same business of Tangier. From that to other discourse of the times and the want of money, and he said that the Parliament must be called again soon, and more money raised, not by tax, for he said he believed the people could not pay it, but he would have either a general excise upon everything, or else that every city incorporate should pay a toll into the King's revenue, as he says it is in all the cities in the world; for here a citizen hath no more laid on them than their neighbours in the country, whereas, as a city, it ought to pay considerably to the King (age 34) for their charter; but I fear this will breed ill blood.
Pepy's Diary. 14 Apr 1665. Up, and betimes to Mr. Povy (age 51), being desirous to have an end of my trouble of mind touching my Tangier business, whether he hath any desire of accepting what my Lord Ashly (age 43) offered, of his becoming Treasurer again; and there I did, with a seeming most generous spirit, offer him to take it back again upon his owne terms; but he did answer to me that he would not above all things in the world, at which I was for the present satisfied; but, going away thence and speaking with Creed, he puts me in doubt that the very nature of the thing will require that he be put in again; and did give me the reasons of the auditors, which, I confess, are so plain, that I know not how to withstand them. But he did give me most ingenious advice what to do in it, and anon, my Lord Barkeley (age 63) and some of the Commissioners coming together, though not in a meeting, I did procure that they should order Povy's (age 51) payment of his remain of accounts to me; which order if it do pass will put a good stop to the fastening of the thing upon me.
Pepy's Diary. 05 Jun 1665. Home to dinner, and Creed with me. Then he and I down to Deptford, Kent [Map], did some business, and back again at night. He home, and I to my office, and so to supper and to bed. This morning I had great discourse with my Lord Barkeley (age 63) about Mr. Hater, towards whom from a great passion reproaching him with being a fanatique and dangerous for me to keepe, I did bring him to be mighty calme and to ask me pardons for what he had thought of him and to desire me to ask his pardon of Hater himself for the ill words he did give him the other day alone at White Hall (which was, that he had always thought him a man that was no good friend to the King (age 35), but did never think it would breake out in a thing of this nature), and did advise him to declare his innocence to the Council and pray for his examination and vindication. Of which I shall consider and say no more, but remember one compliment that in great kindness to me he did give me, extolling my care and diligence, that he did love me heartily for my owne sake, and more that he did will me whatsoever I thought for Mr. Coventry's (age 37) sake, for though the world did think them enemies, and to have an ill aspect, one to another, yet he did love him with all his heart, which was a strange manner of noble compliment, confessing his owning me as a confidant and favourite of Mr. Coventry's (age 37).
Pepy's Diary. 20 Jun 1665. Thence after dinner, to White Hall with Sir W. Berkely (age 63) in his coach, and so walked to Herbert's [Map] and there spent a little time...
Pepy's Diary. 27 Jul 1665. Called up at 4 o'clock. Up and to my preparing some papers for Hampton Court [Map], and so by water to Fox Hall, and there Mr. Gauden's coach took me up, and by and by I took up him, and so both thither, a brave morning to ride in and good discourse with him. Among others he begun with me to speak of the Tangier Victuallers resigning their employment, and his willingness to come on. Of which I was glad, and took the opportunity to answer him with all kindness and promise of assistance. He told me a while since my Lord Berkeley (age 63) did speak of it to him, and yesterday a message from Sir Thomas Ingram (age 51).
Pepy's Diary. 03 Dec 1665. It being Lord's day, up and dressed and to church, thinking to have sat with Sir James Bunce to hear his daughter and her husband sing, that are so much commended, but was prevented by being invited into Coll. Cleggatt's pew. However, there I sat, near Mr. Laneare, with whom I spoke, and in sight, by chance, and very near my fat brown beauty of our Parish, the rich merchant's lady, a very noble woman, and Madame Pierce. A good sermon of Mr. Plume's (age 35), and so to Captain Cocke's (age 48), and there dined with him, and Colonell Wyndham, a worthy gentleman, whose wife was nurse to the present King, and one that while she lived governed him and every thing else, as Cocke (age 48) says, as a minister of state; the old King putting mighty weight and trust upon her. They talked much of matters of State and persons, and particularly how my Lord Barkeley (age 63) hath all along been a fortunate, though a passionate and but weak man as to policy; but as a kinsman brought in and promoted by my Lord of St. Alban's (age 60), and one that is the greatest vapourer in the world, this Colonell Wyndham says; and one to whom only, with Jacke Asheburnel (age 62) and Colonel Legg, the King's removal to the Isle of Wight from Hampton Court [Map] was communicated; and (though betrayed by their knavery, or at best by their ignorance, insomuch that they have all solemnly charged one another with their failures therein, and have been at daggers-drawing publickly about it), yet now none greater friends in the world.
Pepy's Diary. 24 Jun 1666. In the gallery among others met with Major Halsey, a great creature of the Duke of Albemarle's (age 57); who tells me that the Duke, by name, hath said that he expected to have the worke here up in the River done, having left Sir W. Batten (age 65) and Mr. Phipps there. He says that the Duke of Albemarle (age 57) do say that this is a victory we have had, having, as he was sure, killed them 8000 men, and sunk about fourteen of their ships; but nothing like this appears true. He lays much of the little success we had, however, upon the fleete's being divided by order from above, and the want of spirit in the commanders; and that he was commanded by order to go out of the Downes to the Gun-fleete, and in the way meeting the Dutch fleete, what should he do? should he not fight them? especially having beat them heretofore at as great disadvantage. He tells me further, that having been downe with the Duke of Albemarle (age 57), he finds that Holmes and Spragge do govern most business of the Navy; and by others I understand that Sir Thomas Allen (age 33) is offended thereat; that he is not so much advised with as he ought to be. He tells me also, as he says, of his own knowledge, that several people before the Duke went out did offer to supply the King (age 36) with £100,000 provided he would be treasurer of it, to see it laid out for the Navy; which he refused, and so it died. But I believe none of this. This day I saw my Lady Falmouth (age 21), with whom I remember now I have dined at my Lord Barkeley's (age 64) heretofore, a pretty woman: she was now in her second or third mourning, and pretty pleasant in her looks.
Pepy's Diary. 14 Mar 1667. By and by comes the King (age 36) and Duke of York (age 33), and presently the officers of the Ordnance were called; my Lord Berkeley (age 65), Sir John Duncomb (age 44), and Mr. Chichly (age 52); then we, my Lord Bruncker (age 47), Sir W. Batten (age 66), Sir W. Pen (age 45), and myself; where we find only the King (age 36) and Duke of York (age 33), and my Lord Treasurer (age 60), and Sir G. Carteret (age 57); where I only did speak, laying down the state of our wants, which the King (age 36) and Duke of York (age 33) seemed very well pleased with, and we did get what we asked, £500,000, assigned upon the eleven months' tax: but that is not so much ready money, or what will raise £40,000 per week, which we desired, and the business will want. Yet are we fain to come away answered, when, God knows, it will undo the King's business to have matters of this moment put off in this manner. The King (age 36) did prevent my offering anything by and by as Treasurer for Tangier, telling me that he had ordered us £30,000 on the same tax; but that is not what we would have to bring our payments to come within a year. So we gone out, in went others; viz., one after another, Sir Stephen Fox (age 39) for the army, Captain Cocke (age 50) for sick and wounded, Mr. Ashburnham (age 63) for the household.
Pepy's Diary. 03 Apr 1667. By and by up to the Duke of York (age 33), where our usual business, and among other things I read two most dismal letters of the straits we are in (from Collonell Middleton and Commissioner Taylor) that ever were writ in the world, so as the Duke of York (age 33) would have them to shew the King (age 36), and to every demand of money, whereof we proposed many and very pressing ones, Sir G. Carteret (age 57) could make no answer but no money, which I confess made me almost ready to cry for sorrow and vexation, but that which was the most considerable was when Sir G. Carteret (age 57) did say that he had no funds to raise money on; and being asked by Sir W. Coventry (age 39) whether the eleven months' tax was not a fund, and he answered, "No, that the bankers would not lend money upon it". Then Sir W. Coventry (age 39) burst out and said he did supplicate his Royal Highness, and would do the same to the King (age 36), that he would remember who they were that did persuade the King (age 36) from parting with the Chimney-money to the Parliament, and taking that in lieu which they would certainly have given, and which would have raised infallibly ready money; meaning the bankers and the farmers of the Chimney-money, whereof Sir, G. Carteret, I think, is one; saying plainly, that whoever did advise the King (age 36) to that, did, as much as in them lay, cut the King's throat, and did wholly betray him; to which the Duke of York (age 33) did assent; and remembered that the King (age 36) did say again and again at the time, that he was assured, and did fully believe, the money would be raised presently upon a land-tax. This put as all into a stound; and Sir W. Coventry (age 39) went on to declare, that he was glad he was come to have so lately concern in the Navy as he hath, for he cannot now give any good account of the Navy business; and that all his work now was to be able to provide such orders as would justify his Royal Highness in the business, when it shall be called to account; and that he do do, not concerning himself whether they are or can be performed, or no; and that when it comes to be examined, and falls on my Lord Treasurer (age 60), he cannot help it, whatever the issue of it shall be. Hereupon Sir W. Batten (age 66) did pray him to keep also by him all our letters that come from the office that may justify us, which he says he do do, and, God knows, it is an ill sign when we are once to come to study how to excuse ourselves. It is a sad consideration, and therewith we broke up, all in a sad posture, the most that ever I saw in my life. One thing more Sir W. Coventry (age 39) did say to the Duke of York (age 33), when I moved again, that of about £9000 debt to Lanyon, at Plymouth, Devon [Map], he might pay £3700 worth of prize-goods, that he bought lately at the candle, out of this debt due to him from the King (age 36); and the Duke of York (age 33), and Sir G: Carteret, and Lord Barkeley (age 65), saying, all of them, that my Lord Ashly (age 45) would not be got to yield to it, who is Treasurer of the Prizes, Sir W. Coventry (age 39) did plainly desire that it might be declared whether the proceeds of the prizes were to go to the helping on of the war, or no; and, if it were, how then could this be denied? which put them all into another stound; and it is true, God forgive us! Thence to the chappell, and there, by chance, hear that Dr. Crew (age 34) is to preach; and so into the organ-loft, where I met Mr. Carteret, and my Lady Jemimah, and Sir Thomas Crew's (age 43) two daughters, and Dr. Childe (age 61) played; and Dr. Crew (age 34) did make a very pretty, neat, sober, honest sermon; and delivered it very readily, decently, and gravely, beyond his years: so as I was exceedingly taken with it, and I believe the whole chappell, he being but young; but his manner of his delivery I do like exceedingly. His text was, "But seeke ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you". Thence with my Lady to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57) lodgings, and so up into the house, and there do hear that the Dutch letters are come, and say that the Dutch have ordered a passe to be sent for our Commissioners, and that it is now upon the way, coming with a trumpeter blinded, as is usual. But I perceive every body begins to doubt the success of the treaty, all their hopes being only that if it can be had on any terms, the Chancellor (age 58) will have it; for he dare not come before a Parliament, nor a great many more of the courtiers, and the King (age 36) himself do declare he do not desire it, nor intend it but on a strait; which God defend him from! Here I hear how the King (age 36) is not so well pleased of this marriage between the Duke of Richmond and Mrs. Stewart (age 19), as is talked; and that he [the Duke] by a wile did fetch her to the Beare [Map], at the bridge foot, where a coach was ready, and they are stole away into Kent, without the King's leave; and that the King (age 36) hath said he will never see her more; but people do think that it is only a trick. This day I saw Prince Rupert (age 47) abroad in the Vane-room, pretty well as he used to be, and looks as well, only something appears to be under his periwigg on the crown of his head.
Pepy's Diary. 04 Apr 1667. Thence with him to my Lord Treasurer's (age 60), and there walked during Council sitting with Sir Stephen Fox (age 40), talking of the sad condition of the King's purse, and affairs thereby; and how sad the King's life must be, to pass by his officers every hour, that are four years behind-hand unpaid. My Lord Barkeley (age 65) [of Stratton] I met with there, and fell into talk with him on the same thing, wishing to God that it might be remedied, to which he answered, with an oath, that it was as easy to remedy it as anything in the world; saying, that there is himself and three more would venture their carcasses upon it to pay all the King's debts in three years, had they the managing his revenue, and putting £300,000 in his purse, as a stock. But, Lord! what a thing is this to me, that do know how likely a man my Lord Barkeley (age 65) of all the world is, to do such a thing as this. Here I spoke with Sir W. Coventry (age 39), who tells me plainly that to all future complaints of lack of money he will answer but with the shrug of his shoulder; which methought did come to my heart, to see him to begin to abandon the King's affairs, and let them sink or swim, so he do his owne part, which I confess I believe he do beyond any officer the King (age 36) hath, but unless he do endeavour to make others do theirs, nothing will be done. The consideration here do make me go away very sad, and so home by coach, and there took up my wife and Mercer, who had been to-day at White Hall to the Maundy1, it being Maundy Thursday; but the King (age 36) did not wash the poor people's feet himself, but the Bishop of London did it for him, but I did not see it, and with them took up Mrs. Anne Jones at her mother's door, and so to take the ayre to Hackney, where good neat's tongue, and things to eat and drink, and very merry, the weather being mighty pleasant; and here I was told that at their church they have a fair pair of organs, which play while the people sing, which I am mighty glad of, wishing the like at our church at London, and would give £50 towards it. So very pleasant, and hugging of Mercer in our going home, we home, and then to the office to do a little business, and so to supper at home and to bed.
Note 1. The practice of giving alms on Maundy Thursday to poor men and women equal in number to the years of the sovereign's age is a curious survival in an altered form of an old custom. The original custom was for the King (age 36) to wash the feet of twelve poor persons, and to give them a supper in imitation of Christ's last supper and his washing of the Apostles' feet. James II was the last sovereign to perform the ceremony in person, but it was performed by deputy so late as 1731. The Archbishop of York was the King's deputy on that occasion. The institution has passed through the various stages of feet washing with a supper, the discontinuance of the feet washing, the substitution of a gift of provisions for the supper, and finally the substitution of a gift of money for the provisions. The ceremony took place at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall; but it is now held at Westminster Abbey. Maundy is derived from the Latin word 'maudatum', which commences the original anthem sung during the ceremony, in reference to Christ's command.
Pepy's Diary. 26 Apr 1667. Thence I to St. James's, to meet Sir G. Carteret (age 57), and did, and Lord Berkely (age 65), to get them (as we would have done the Duke of Albemarle (age 58)) to the meeting of the Lords of Appeale in the business of one of our prizes. With them to the meeting of the Guinny company, and there staid, and went with Lord Berkely. While I was waiting for him in the Matted Gallery, a young man was most finely working in Indian inke the great picture of the King (age 36) and Queen (age 28) sitting, [Charles I and Henrietta Maria.] by Van Dyke; and did it very finely.
Pepy's Diary. 29 Apr 1667. Up, being visited very early by Creed newly come from Hinchingbrooke, who went thither without my knowledge, and I believe only to save his being taxed by the Poll Bill. I did give him no very good countenance nor welcome, but took occasion to go forth and walked (he with me) to St. Dunstan's, and thence I to Sir W. Coventry's (age 39), where a good while with him, and I think he pretty kind, but that the nature of our present condition affords not matter for either of us to be pleased with any thing. We discoursed of Carcasse, whose Lord, he tells me, do make complaints that his clerk should be singled out, and my Lord Berkeley (age 65) do take his part. So he advises we would sum up all we have against him and lay it before the Duke of York (age 33); he condemned my Lord Bruncker (age 47).
Pepy's Diary. 22 May 1667. Thence I to Westminster Hall [Map] with Sir G. Carteret (age 57) to the Chequer Chamber to hear our cause of the Lindeboome prize there before the Lords of Appeal, where was Lord Ashly (age 45), Arlington (age 49), Barkely (age 65), and Sir G. Carteret (age 57), but the latter three signified nothing, the former only either minding or understanding what was said. Here was good pleading of Sir Walter Walker's and worth hearing, but little done in our business.
Pepy's Diary. 29 May 1667. Up, and by coach to St. James's, where by and by up to the Duke of York (age 33), where, among other things, our parson Mills having the offer of another benefice by Sir Robert Brookes (age 30), who was his pupil, he by my Lord Barkeley (age 65) [of Stratton] is made one of the Duke's Chaplains, which qualifies him for two livings. But to see how slightly such things are done, the Duke of York (age 33) only taking my Lord Barkeley's (age 65) word upon saying, that we the officers of the Navy do say he is a good man and minister of our parish, and the Duke of York (age 33) admits him to kiss his hand, but speaks not one word to him; but so a warrant will be drawn from the Duke of York (age 33) to qualify him, and there's an end of it.
Pepy's Diary. 09 Jun 1667. To Sir W. Coventry (age 39), and there talked with him a great while; and mighty glad I was of my good fortune to visit him, for it keeps in my acquaintance with him, and the world sees it, and reckons my interest accordingly. In comes my Lord Barkeley (age 65), who is going down to Harwich [Map] also to look after the militia there: and there is also the Duke of Monmouth (age 18), and with him a great many young Hectors, the Lord Chesterfield (age 33), my Lord Mandeville (age 33), and others: but to little purpose, I fear, but to debauch the country women thereabouts. My Lord Barkeley (age 65) wanting some maps, and Sir W. Coventry (age 39) recommending the six maps of England that are bound up for the pocket, I did offer to present my Lord with them, which he accepted: and so I will send them him.
Pepy's Diary. 09 Jun 1667. So to my house, where we find my father and wife at dinner, and after dinner Creed and I by water to White Hall, and there we parted, and I to Sir G. Carteret's (age 57), where, he busy, I up into the house, and there met with a gentleman, Captain Aldrige, that belongs to my Lord Barkeley (age 65), and I did give him the book of maps for my Lord, and so I to Westminster Church [Map] and there staid a good while, and saw Betty Michell there.
Pepy's Diary. 26 Jun 1667. So being ready I to White Hall by water, and there to the Lords Treasurers' chamber, and there wait, and here it is every body's discourse that the Parliament is ordered to meet the 25th of July, being, as they say, St. James's day; which every creature is glad of. But it is pretty to consider how, walking to the Old Swan [Map] from my house, I met Sir Thomas Harvy (age 42), whom, asking the newes of the Parliament's meeting, he told me it was true, and they would certainly make a great rout among us. I answered, I did not care for my part, though I was ruined, so that the Commonwealth might escape ruin by it. He answered, that is a good one, in faith; for you know yourself to be secure, in being necessary to the office; but for my part, says he, I must look to be removed; but then, says he, I doubt not but I shall have amends made me; for all the world knows upon what terms I come in; which is a saying that a wise man would not unnecessarily have said, I think, to any body, meaning his buying his place of my Lord Barkely (age 65) [of Stratton].
Pepy's Diary. 19 Oct 1667. At the office all the morning, where very busy, and at noon home to a short dinner, being full of my desire of seeing my Lord Orrery's (age 46) new play this afternoon at the King's house, "The Black Prince", the first time it is acted; where, though we come by two o'clock, yet there was no room in the pit, but we were forced to go into one of the upper boxes, at 4s. a piece, which is the first time I ever sat in a box in my life. And in the same box come, by and by, behind me, my Lord Barkeley (age 65) [of Stratton] and his [his wife] lady (age 29); but I did not turn my face to them to be known, so that I was excused from giving them my seat; and this pleasure I had, that from this place the scenes do appear very fine indeed, and much better than in the pit. The house infinite full, and the King (age 37) and Duke of York (age 34) was there.
Pepy's Diary. 19 Oct 1667. By and by the play begun, and in it nothing particular but a very fine dance for variety of figures, but a little too long. But, as to the contrivance, and all that was witty (which, indeed, was much, and very witty), was almost the same that had been in his two former plays of "Henry the 5th" and "Mustapha", and the same points and turns of wit in both, and in this very same play often repeated, but in excellent language, and were so excellent that the whole house was mightily pleased with it all along till towards the end he comes to discover the chief of the plot of the play by the reading of along letter, which was so long and some things (the people being set already to think too long) so unnecessary that they frequently begun to laugh, and to hiss twenty times, that, had it not been for the King's being there, they had certainly hissed it off the stage. But I must confess that, as my Lord Barkeley (age 65) says behind me, the having of that long letter was a thing so absurd, that he could not imagine how a man of his parts could possibly fall into it; or, if he did, if he had but let any friend read it, the friend would have told him of it; and, I must confess, it is one of the most remarkable instances that ever I did or expect to meet with in my life of a wise man's not being wise at all times, and in all things, for nothing could be more ridiculous than this, though the letter of itself at another time would be thought an excellent letter, and indeed an excellent Romance, but at the end of the play, when every body was weary of sitting, and were already possessed with the effect of the whole letter; to trouble them with a letter a quarter of an hour long, was a most absurd thing. After the play done, and nothing pleasing them from the time of the letter to the end of the play, people being put into a bad humour of disliking (which is another thing worth the noting), I home by coach, and could not forbear laughing almost all the way home, and all the evening to my going to bed, at the ridiculousness of the letter, and the more because my wife was angry with me, and the world, for laughing, because the King (age 37) was there, though she cannot defend the length of the letter. So after having done business at the office, I home to supper and to bed.
Pepy's Diary. 23 Oct 1667. Up, and Sir W. Pen (age 46) and I in his coach to White Hall, there to attend the Duke of York (age 34); but come a little too late, and so missed it: only spoke with him, and heard him correct my Lord Barkeley (age 65), who fell foul on Sir Edward Spragg (age 47), who, it seems, said yesterday to the House, that if the Officers of the Ordnance had done as much work at Shereness in ten weeks as "The Prince" did in ten days, he could have defended the place against the Dutch: but the Duke of York (age 34) told him that every body must have liberty, at this time, to make their own defence, though it be to the charging of the fault upon any other, so it be true; so I perceive the whole world is at work in blaming one another.
Pepy's Diary. 06 Mar 1668. Up betimes, and with Sir Prince to Sir W. Coventry's (age 40) chamber: where the first word he said to me was, "Good-morrow, Mr. Pepys, that must be Speaker of the Parliament-house:" and did protest I had got honour for ever in Parliament. He said that his brother (age 49), that sat by him, admires me; and another gentleman said that I could not get less than £1000 a-year if I would put on a gown and plead at the Chancery-bar; but, what pleases me most, he tells me that the Sollicitor-Generall did protest that he thought I spoke the best of any man in England. After several talks with him alone, touching his own businesses, he carried me to White Hall, and there parted; and I to the Duke of York's (age 34) lodgings, and find him going to the Park, it being a very fine morning, and I after him; and, as soon as he saw me, he told me, with great satisfaction, that I had converted a great many yesterday, and did, with great praise of me, go on with the discourse with me. And, by and by, overtaking the King (age 37), the King (age 37) and Duke of York (age 34) come to me both; and he [the King (age 37)] said, "Mr. Pepys, I am very glad of your success yesterday"; and fell to talk of my well speaking; and many of the Lords there. My Lord Barkeley (age 66) did cry the up for what they had heard of it; and others, Parliament-men there, about the King (age 37), did say that they never heard such a speech in their lives delivered in that manner. Progers, of the Bedchamber, swore to me afterwards before Brouncker (age 48), in the afternoon, that he did tell the King (age 37) that he thought I might teach the Sollicitor-Generall. Every body that saw me almost come to me, as Joseph Williamson (age 34) and others, with such eulogys as cannot be expressed. From thence I went to Westminster Hall [Map], where I met Mr. G. Montagu (age 45), who come to me and kissed me, and told me that he had often heretofore kissed my hands, but now he would kiss my lips: protesting that I was another Cicero, and said, all the world said the same of me. Mr. Ashburnham (age 64), and every creature I met there of the Parliament, or that knew anything of the Parliament's actings, did salute me with this honour:-Mr. Godolphin (age 33);-Mr. Sands, who swore he would go twenty mile, at any time, to hear the like again, and that he never saw so many sit four hours together to hear any man in his life, as there did to hear me; Mr. Chichly (age 53),-Sir John Duncomb,-and everybody do say that the Kingdom will ring of my abilities, and that I have done myself right for my whole life: and so Captain Cocke (age 51), and others of my friends, say that no man had ever such an opportunity of making his abilities known; and, that I may cite all at once, Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower did tell me that Mr. Vaughan (age 64) did protest to him, and that, in his hearing it, said so to the Duke of Albemarle (age 59), and afterwards to W. Coventry, that he had sat twenty-six years in Parliament and never heard such a speech there before: for which the Lord God make me thankful! and that I may make use of it not to pride and vain-glory, but that, now I have this esteem, I may do nothing that may lessen it! I spent the morning thus walking in the Hall, being complimented by everybody with admiration: and at noon stepped into the Legg with Sir William Warren, who was in the Hall, and there talked about a little of his business, and thence into the Hall a little more, and so with him by coach as far as the Temple [Map] almost, and there 'light, to follow my Lord Brouncker's (age 48) coach, which I spied, and so to Madam Williams's, where I overtook him, and agreed upon meeting this afternoon, and so home to dinner, and after dinner with W. Pen (age 46), who come to my house to call me, to White Hall, to wait on the Duke of York (age 34), where he again and all the company magnified me, and several in the Gallery: among others, my Lord Gerard (age 50), who never knew me before nor spoke to me, desires his being better acquainted with me; and [said] that, at table where he was, he never heard so much said of any man as of me, in his whole life. We waited on the Duke of York (age 34), and thence into the Gallery, where the House of Lords waited the King's coming out of the Park, which he did by and by; and there, in the Vane-room, my Lord Keeper delivered a message to the King (age 37), the Lords being about him, wherein the Barons of England, from many good arguments, very well expressed in the part he read out of, do demand precedence in England of all noblemen of either of the King's other two kingdoms, be their title what it will; and did shew that they were in England reputed but as Commoners, and sat in the House of Commons, and at conferences with the Lords did stand bare. It was mighty worth my hearing: but the King (age 37) did only say that he would consider of it, and so dismissed them.
Pepy's Diary. 05 Aug 1668. So to bed about two o'clock, and then up about seven and to White Hall, where read over my report to Lord Arlington (age 50) and Berkeley (age 66), and then afterward at the Council Board with great good liking, but, Lord! how it troubled my eyes, though I did not think I could have done it, but did do it, and was not very bad afterward.
Pepy's Diary. 27 Sep 1668. Lord's Day. Up, and to my office to finish my journall for five days past, and so abroad and walked to White Hall, calling in at Somerset House [Map] Chapel, and also at the Spanish Embassador's at York House [Map], and there did hear a little masse: and so to White Hall; and there the King (age 38) being gone to Chapel, I to walk all the morning in the Park, where I met Mr. Wren; and he and I walked together in the Pell-Mell, it being most summer weather that ever was seen: and here talking of several things: of the corruption of the Court, and how unfit it is for ingenious men, and himself particularly, to live in it, where a man cannot live but he must spend, and cannot get suitably, without breach of his honour: and did thereupon tell me of the basest thing of my Lord Barkeley (age 66), one of the basest things that ever was heard of of a man, which was this: how the Duke of York's (age 34) Commissioners do let his wine-licenses at a bad rate, and being offered a better, they did persuade the Duke of York (age 34) to give some satisfaction to the former to quit it, and let it to the latter, which being done, my Lord Barkeley (age 66) did make the bargain for the former to have £1500 a-year to quit it; whereof, since, it is come to light that they were to have but £800 and himself £700, which the Duke of York (age 34) hath ever since for some years paid, though this second bargain hath been broken, and the Duke of York (age 34) lost by it, [half] of what the first was. He told me that there hath been a seeming accommodation between the Duke of York (age 34) and the Duke of Buckingham (age 40) and Lord Arlington (age 50), the two latter desiring it; but yet that there is not true agreement between them, but they do labour to bring in all new creatures into play, and the Duke of York (age 34) do oppose it, as particularly in this of Sir Prince.
Pepy's Diary. 14 Oct 1668. Up, and by water, stopping at Michell's, and there saw Betty, but could have no discourse with her, but there drank. To White Hall, and there walked to St. James's, where I find the Court mighty full, it being the Duke of York's (age 35) birthday; and he mighty fine, and all the musick, one after another, to my great content. Here I met with Sir H. Cholmly (age 36); and he and I to walk, and to my Lord Barkeley's (age 66) new house; there to see a new experiment of a cart, which; by having two little wheeles fastened to the axle-tree, is said to make it go with half the ease and more, than another cart but we did not see the trial made.
Pepy's Diary. 21 Nov 1668. Up, with great joy to my wife and me, and to the office, where W. Hewer (age 26) did most honestly bring me back the part of my letter to Deb. wherein I called her whore, assuring me that he did not shew it her, and that he did only give her to understand that wherein I did declare my desire never to see her, and did give her the best Christian counsel he could, which was mighty well done of him. But by the grace of God, though I love the poor girl and wish her well, as having gone too far toward the undoing her, yet I will never enquire after or think of her more, my peace being certainly to do right to my wife. At the Office all the morning; and after dinner abroad with W. Hewer (age 26) to my Lord Ashly's (age 47), where my Lord Barkeley (age 66) and Sir Thomas Ingram (age 54) met upon Mr. Povy's (age 54) account, where I was in great pain about that part of his account wherein I am concerned, above £150, I think; and Creed hath declared himself dissatisfied with it, so far as to desire to cut his "Examinatur" out of the paper, as the only condition in which he would be silent in it. This Povy (age 54) had the wit to yield to; and so when it come to be inquired into, I did avouch the truth of the account as to that particular, of my own knowledge, and so it went over as a thing good and just-as, indeed, in the bottom of it, it is; though in strictness, perhaps, it would not so well be understood. This Committee rising, I, with my mind much satisfied herein, away by coach home, setting Creed into Southampton Buildings, and so home; and there ended my letters, and then home to my wife, where I find my house clean now, from top to bottom, so as I have not seen it many a day, and to the full satisfaction of my mind, that I am now at peace, as to my poor wife, as to the dirtiness of my house, and as to seeing an end, in a great measure, to my present great disbursements upon my house, and coach and horses.
On 23 Jul 1672 [his father-in-law] Andrew Riccard (age 68) made his will:
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Andrewe Riccard Cittizen and Merchant of London aged Threescore and Nyne yeares or thereabouts Praysed Be God of sound and perfect memory Calling to mind the frailty of all mankind my owne age And bodily infirmities Doe make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament (written in my own hand), in manner and forme following (That is to say)
First and principally I give upp and Resign my soule into the hands of Allmighty God my Creator that gave me the same Trusting in the meritts of my Alsufficient Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and renouncing and disclayming any meritt or worthiness of my owne) I say I humbly trust to be saved and to enjoy everlasting Bliss and happiness with the Saints and Angells To all Eternity.
And for my Body and earthly part I Comitt it to the earth whereof it was made To be decently buried and without much Pompe or any ostentation att the direction of my Executix hereafter named.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto my ffaithfull and beloved wife Susanna One full Third part of my Personall Estate according to the Lawdable Custome of the Citty of London my debts being paid and ffunerall Charges deducted.
ITEM I hereby give to my said deare and loveing wife one halfe part of all my Lands Tenements and hereditaments whatsoever And all the Rents and profitts of the said halfe part during her naturall life.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my said Loveing wife All my householdstuff, my Coach and Coach horses And one hundred ounces of Plate such as she shall think fitt to take.
ITEM I give to my said wife and Consort the lease of my house in Marke Lane [Map] she paying the Rent of one hundred pounds per Annum to the Landlord.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my Brother Jn. Riccard of Portsham in the County of Dorset one halfe part of the Rents and proffitts of the ffarmes of Portesham Ashton and Steepleton over and above my wife's halfe part bequeathed to her as before And my said brother to have and enjoy the said halfe parte of the Rents and proffitts of the said ffarmes and tenements the Second Third and ffourth yeare after my decease for the better support of himselfe and education of his children and no longer
ITEM I give and bequeath unto my only daughter [his wife] Christian Lady Berkeley (age 34) one hundred pounds in full of her Childs part any other Consideracon whatsover In regard she had a faire part and potion out of my Estate to preferre and advance her in marriage And for some other reasons not fitt to be in this place menconed
ITEM I give and hereby will and order and by these presents bequeath unto my Second Grandsonne and Godsonne [his son] John Berkeley (age 9) All the Residue and remainder of all my Reall Estate scituate lying and being in the Parishes of Portsham Steepleton and Winterborne St Martins in the County of Dorsett To have and to hold the said ffarmes lands and tenements to him and his heires for ever And in case he shall happen to dye before he attaine to the age of twenty one yeares or without issue of his body lawfully begotten Then I give and bequeath the said ffarmes lands and tenements to my Third Grandson, Maurice Bentley1And if he chance to dye before he attaine to the age of of Twenty one yeares or without issue lawfully begotten Then and in that case I give the said ffarmes Lands and tenements to William Bentley1 my youngest grandson and his heires forever.
ITEM I hereby give bequeath and will my only granddaughter [his daughter] Anne Berkeley (age 7) to advance her and preferre herin marriage to a sober and prudent Gentleman such as my Executrix shall approve of if she be alive And this her portion of ffoure thousand pounds with the interest thereof I hereby order to be paid her att the day of her marriage or when she attaines to the age of Twenty one yeares And in case it shall please God she dye before she marry or attaine Twenty one yeares before paid this and in that case I will the said ffoure thousand pounds and all the proffitts and interest thereof to be paid to my surviving Grandchildren by even and equall shares and proportions att such tyme as they shall attain to Twenty one yeares of age
ITEM I give and bequeath to my neece Mary Riccard now in house with me towards a Marriage Portion two hundred pounds to be paid her by my Executrix att her daye of marriage.
ITEM I give and bequeath to each of my servants that have been with me one whole yeare or more ffive pounds a peece.
ITEM I give to the poore of the parish of St Olaves Hartstreet [Map] wherin I have long lived ffifty pounds within one yeare after my death.
ITEM I hereby give and bequeath to Mr Danll Mills Rector of the said parish ffifty pounds.
ITEM I give and bequeath to the poore of St Thomas Hospitall in Southwark to be disposed of for their Reliefe as the President and Governors of that hospitall shall judge meete one hundred Pounds to be paid within one yeare after my death.
ITEM I give to the poore of the Company of Drapers one hundred pounds to be paid them within one yeare after my death And to be disposed of for aforesaid Poore their most advantage and in such manner as the Master Wardens and Assistants shall judge meete.
ITEM I give to the East India Company ffor their poore at Poplar one hundred pounds And to be paid said Company for the use of these poore within one yeare after my decease And to be added to Almshouse Stocke.
ITEM I herby give and bequeath unto ffrancis Riccard, my nephew and servant one hundred pounds to be paid him Two yeares after my death.
ITEM I hereby give bequeath and will my only granddaughter Anne Berkeley (age 7) to advance her and preferre herin marriage to a sober and prudent Gentleman such as my Executrix shall approve of if she be alive And this her portion of ffoure thousand pounds with the interest thereof I hereby order to be paid her att the day of her marriage or when she attaines to the age of Twenty one yeares And in case it shall please God she dye before she marry or attaine Twenty one yeares before paid this and in that case I will the said ffoure thousand pounds and all the proffitts and interest thereof to be paid to my surviving Grandchildren by even and equall shares and proportions att such tyme as they shall attain to Twenty one yeares of age
ITEM I give and hereby bequeath to my ffive Grandchildren [his son] Charles, John (age 9), Morris1, [his son] William (age 9) and Anne Berkely (age 7) all the residue and remainder of my estate to be equally divided betweene them To each one ffifth part To be paid them by my Executrix or to such Trustees as their ffather Lord John Berkeley (age 70) and my Executrix shall agree upon or in case of death or absence of the Lord Berkeley to such trustees as my said Executrix and my daughter Berkeley shall agree upon.
And that as soone as my Estate come into the particulars whereof appeare by an estimate hereto Annexed, in default of Books of accompt which may not appeare soe Regulah as may be expected And in Case of Death the Survivors of them to enjoy it
ITEM I hereby nominate and appointe my deare and loving wife to be my sole executrix and give her power and Authority to see this my Last Will and Testament faithfully and duly executed I will and make void All former wills whatsoever
In witness whereof I have hereto sett my hand and seale This Twenty Third day of July 1672 In London Amen
[Andr: Riccard is inserted into the LH margin]
Signed Sealed published and declared, in the presence of [NO NAMES WERE INSERTED]
Note 1. TT. Not clear whether these refers to Berkeley rather than Bentley. William Berkeley was a son of Christiana and John Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley of Stratton. Andrew Riccard appears to have had only one child Christiana who only had issue with her third husband John Berkeley. Maurice, or Morris, possibly a child between John and William. Christiana's husband John's father was [his father] Maurice Berkeley.
Evelyn's Diary. 25 Sep 1672. I dined at Lord John Berkeley's (age 70), newly arrived out of Ireland, where he had been Deputy; it was in his new house [Map], or rather palace; for I am assured it stood him in near £30,000. It was very well built, and has many noble rooms, but they are not very convenient, consisting but of one Corps de Logis; they are all rooms of state, without closets. The staircase is of cedar, the furniture is princely: the kitchen and stables are ill placed, and the corridor worse, having no report to the wings they join to. For the rest, the fore-court is noble, so are the stables; and, above all, the gardens, which are incomparable by reason of the inequality of the ground, and a pretty piscina. The holly hedges on the terrace I advised the planting of. The porticos are in imitation of a house described by Palladio; but it happens to be the worst in his book, though my good friend, Mr. Hugh May (age 50), his Lordship's architect, effected it.
Evelyn's Diary. 07 May 1676. I spoke to the Duke of York (age 42) about my Lord Berkeley's (age 74) going to Nimeguen. Thence, to the Queen's Council at Somerset House [Map], about Mrs. Godolphin's (age 23) lease of Spalding [Map], in Lincolnshire.
Evelyn's Diary. 12 Jun 1677. I went to London, to give the Lord Ambassador Berkeley (age 75) (now returned from the treaty at Nimeguen) an account of the great trust reposed in me during his absence, I having received and remitted to him no less than £20,000 to my no small trouble and loss of time, that during his absence, and when the Lord Treasurer (age 45) was no great friend [of his] I yet procured him great sums, very often soliciting his Majesty (age 47) in his behalf; looking after the rest of his estates and concerns entirely, without once accepting any kind of acknowledgment, purely upon the request of my dear friend, Mr. Godolphin (age 31). I returned with abundance of thanks and professions from my Lord Berkeley (age 49) and my Lady.
On 26 Aug 1678 John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (age 76) died. On 26 Aug 1678 His son [his son] Charles Berkeley 2nd Baron Berkeley succeeded 2nd Baron Berkeley of Stratton in Cornwall.
On 05 Sep 1678 John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley (deceased) was buried at St Mary's Church Twickenham, Richmond [Map].
On 27 Aug 1698 [his former wife] Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley (age 60) died.
[his son] William Berkeley 4th Baron Berkeley and Frances Temple Baroness Berkeley were married.
[his father] Maurice Berkeley and [his mother] Elizabeth Killigrew were married.
[his son] Charles Berkeley 2nd Baron Berkeley was born to John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley and Christiana Riccard Baroness Berkeley.
Kings Wessex: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England
Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd
Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth
Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys
Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Kings Scotland: Great x 13 Grand Son of William "Lion" I King Scotland
Kings Franks: Great x 13 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks
Kings France: Great x 10 Grand Son of Philip "Bold" III King France
Great x 4 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 6 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Berkeley 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Berkeley of Stoke Gifford 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Stafford
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Stafford
Great x 1 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Coningsby
Great x 3 Grandfather: Humphrey Coningsby
Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Coningsby
Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Ferriby
GrandFather: Henry Berkeley 10 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Blount 1st Baron Mountjoy
10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 3 Grandfather: John Blount 3rd Baron Mountjoy 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Helena Byron Baroness Mountjoy
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Blount 4th Baron Mountjoy 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Berkeley 6 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Lora Berkeley Countess Ormonde 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 1 Grandmother: Catherine Blount 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Keble
Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Keble Baroness Mountjoy
Father: Maurice Berkeley 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Lygon of Madresfield Court
Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Lygon 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Beauchamp 2nd Baron Beauchamp Powick
6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Beauchamp 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Stafford 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England
Great x 1 Grandfather: William Lygon 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Greville
Great x 3 Grandfather: William Greville
Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Greville
GrandMother: Margaret Lygon 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: John Denys of Bradford Devon
Great x 3 Grandfather: Walter Denys
Great x 2 Grandfather: William Denys
Great x 1 Grandmother: Eleanor Denys 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 4 Grandfather: James Berkeley 11th and 1st Baron Berkeley 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 3 Grandfather: Maurice Berkeley 3rd Baron Berkeley 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel Mowbray Baroness Berkeley
3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne Berkeley 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 3 Grandmother: Isabel Meade 3rd Baroness Berkeley
John Berkeley 1st Baron Berkeley 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England
Great x 1 Grandfather: John Killigrew
GrandFather: William Killigrew
Mother: Elizabeth Killigrew
Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Saunders
GrandMother: Margery Saunders
