Weird World

An entry in Samuel Pepys’ Diary details a disgusting surprise he left in someone’s fireplace

Oonagh Keating. Updated October 1st, 2018

Samuel Pepys is really known for two things – primarily for his diary of 17th-century life, but also for the magnificence of his wig. His famous diary spans nine years, from 1660 to 1669, which includes the years of the plague that devastated London in 1665, and the Great Fire, which tore through the wooden buildings the following year.

He recounted such oddities as having to bury his cheese to protect it while he escaped from the fire, as well as surprisingly banal observations including reporting that he felt healthier after giving up wine – #relatable. Quotes like this one about viewing torture and execution give a chilling insight into life at that time and make us wonder about Pepys’ sense of humour.

“I went out to Charing Cross to see Major General Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could in that condition.”

One entry stands out as being both particularly honest and highlighting an unfortunate side effect of the lack of plumbing.

Yes. Poor Mrs. Clerke’s servants will have been required to clean out the shit from the fireplace, although they should have left him a chamber pot in the first place.

Twitter users had much to add to the scenario.

Someone called @The_IrishDave saw a parallel with more modern characters.

https://twitter.com/The_IrishDave/status/1045811769707548674

We can’t imagine he was ever invited back to Mrs Clerke’s house.