| Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) | |
| Diarist and Master of Trinity House | |
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 Samuel Pepys (1633-1703). © NMM |
Keeping his diaries, which cover ten years that saw such historical events as the coronation of Charles II (1660), the Great Plague (1665) and the Great Fire of London (1666), and give an unrivalled insight into London life in those years.
Establishing a professional naval service for the first time in English history.
Leading a vigorous social and private life. He was fond of drinking and woke up in a pool of his own vomit after celebrating the coronation of Charles II. He also liked flirting with women; his wife once caught him with a female servant.
His work at the navy led to the largest shipbuilding programme England had ever seen.
As Clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board, he worked at the Royal Dockyards.
As Master of Trinity House he drew up a new Charter for the organisation.
It is clear that Pepys did not want anyone to read his diary. He wrote in a special form of shorthand, and his diaries were not deciphered for over a century.
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| 1633 | 23 February born in Salisbury Court, London. |
| 1655 | Married Elizabeth Marchant Saint-Michel. |
| 1658 | Had a bladder stone removed, a dangerous operation. |
| 1660 | Appointed Clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board. |
| 1665 | Leading member of the Navy Board. |
| 1669 | His wife Elizabeth died. |
| 1673-1679 | Secretary of the Admiralty. |
| 1679 | Imprisoned in the Tower of London, accused of selling naval secrets to the French. |
| 1684-1689 | Secretary for Admiralty Affairs. |
| 1684-1686 | President of the Royal Society. |
| 1685-1686 | Master of Trinity House. |
| 1689 | Left public service. |
| 1690 | Arrested again on suspicion of Jacobite tendencies. |
| 1699 | Awarded the honour of Freeman of the City of London. |
| 1703 | Died 26 May in Clapham and was buried at St Olave, Hart Street in the City. |
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