Category Archives: 17th century

Plague, Periwigs and Peccadilloes: the Diary of Samuel Pepys

Posted on December 9, 2019 by tthurai

Although diaries can be traced back to antiquity, the 17th century witnessed the real flowering of the diarist’s art. Following the Civil War and the Restoration of King Charles II, a new philosophical movement emerged: the Age of Enlightenment also … Continue reading →

Posted in 17th century, Diarists, History, John Evelyn, Lady Castlemaine, Plague, Raid on the Medway, Samuel Pepys, The Great Fire of London | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Plum Pudding, riots and lechery: Christmas in the 17th century

Posted on December 22, 2017 by tthurai

In 1644, the Puritans gained control of Parliament. With Grinch-like fervour they set about cancelling Christmas. At a stroke, the traditional 12-day festival – a prolonged period of merriment and revelry characterised by rich food, dancing and excess – was … Continue reading →

Posted in 12 days of Christmas, 17th century, Canterbury, Christmas, Christmas pudding, Festivals, Food, Grinch, History, Pepys, Plum Pudding, Puritans, Riots | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bulls, Bears, Tippling and Lewder Places: The Thames Frost Fair of 1684

Posted on December 8, 2017 by tthurai

Over a period of 250 years, the River Thames froze so hard that its icy expanse provided the venue for a special festival: the Frost Fair. The reason for the big freeze was a combination of exceptionally hard winters and … Continue reading →

Posted in 17th century, Diarists, Frost Fair, History, John Evelyn, London, London Bridge, Pepys, River Thames, Royal Society, Sayes Court, Southwark | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment