According to ENGLAND IN THE MEDITERRANEAN : A STUDY OF THE RISE AND INFLUENCE OF BRITISH POWER WITHIN THE STRAITS -- 1603-1713 By JULIAN S. CORBETT VOL. II LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON NEW YORK AND BOMBAY 1904
"By the end of September, 1661, De Ruyter had been told the Plate fleet was safe in Coruna, ..." https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/… So that's where the Groyne is probably located.
A timely historical note: La Coruna was the port hub for the 1588 Armada. On 22 September, 1588, 44 ships led by the Duke of Medina Sidonia arrived back at the Spanish Biscayan ports after successfully circumventing Ireland. Twenty-two additional ships arrived in the next few days. The crews of the returning ships had suffered greater than 50 percent casualties due to sickness and privation during the circuitous route home around northern Scotland after the Armada departed the North Sea in August. The Duke was so ill he had to be carried ashore. In the coming days hundreds of survivors died aboard anchored ships, or in the streets of port towns. When the Duke recovered enough to take stock of the situation, he realized that two-thirds of the Armada’s 20,000 men had perished, and half the ships had been lost since the expedition set out from La Coruna in July. https://armadainvincible.com/?fbc…
September 28, Saturday I spoke with the master of an English ship that came from Ribadeo that said the Spanish Plate fleet consisting of 42 sail whereof 16 were men of war, all very rich, arrived at the Groyne the 7th of September. The fleet made the island of St Mary's only in their passage and thereabouts met with the advisors that turned them to the Groyne for jealousy of the English fleet. The said master says that there is no army against the Portuguese in Galacia, but that the army that was against them is most dead, 6000 men died. The Vice-King suspected to have been treacherous therein by poison is sent away a prisoner to Madrid.
Copied from The Journal of Edward Mountagu First Earl of Sandwich Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson Printed for the Navy Records Society MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
Ribadeo - Located in the autonomous community of Galicia, in northern Spain, Ribadeo is a picturesque town that charms with its blend of maritime heritage, stunning landscapes, and seafood cuisine It is located on the coastal part of the Camino del Norte. The town’s port was a bustling hub for trade, and the sea’s influence is evident everywhere. The old town is made up of narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses, and views of the estuary that supported the community for generations Seafood plays a starring role. From fresh oysters to savoury empanadas filled with tuna or shellfish, the culinary offerings are a delight. Pairing them with a glass of Albariño, a local white wine, is a gastronomic experience reflecting rich Galician culinary traditions. One popular visitor activity is exploring Cathedrals Beach. Known locally as Praia das Catedrais, it is famous for its natural arches and caves, resembling Gothic cathedrals. The majestic rock formations create a surreal landscape best explored at low tide Ribadeo is also a gateway for those walking the Camino de Santiago https://caminoways.com/ribadeo-a-…
The Groyne -- what's the difference between a mole and a groyne? And where "the" Groyne was, who knows. Sandwich and the Admiralty knew. Groynes are examples of hard coastal protection structures which aim to protect the shoreline from coastal erosion. For an article which describes the features, possible effects, and different types of groynes that extend from the shore into the sea see https://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/…
The island of St Mary's - there are several, and none fit as a place for the Spanish to intercept the Plate fleet sailing home from South America. Ideas anyone?
The Vice-King of Spain - Philip II is King until 1665, and his son was an infant. Could this be a reference to Philip's "chancellor"? His Wiki bio is unhelpful, as is the Google librarian
Galacia - Ribadeo is located in the autonomous district of Galicia; does it have a groyne?
'"I hear doth keep open Court, and distinct at Lisbon" 'Could this be interpreted as meaning that Catherine enjoys the limelight, and revels in her new-found identity?'
Catherine was brought up and educated in a convent, close to the Palace. She came out when her engagement was announced. Charles II was anxious to get his hands on her, but Queen Mother Luisa Guzman apparently decided to teach Catherine how to be a Queen before sending her off to England. Hence she has her own Court. It must have been a big adjustment. As to whether or not Catherine 'enjoyed the limelight' or 'revelled' in her new-found independence, who knows. I suspect it was overwhelming and, at least at first, unwanted.
I remember an interview with Fergie where she talked about how irritating she found having ladies-in-waiting. She couldn't even pick up her own tissue if she dropped one. For Catherine it must have been hard: from the simple life surrounded by nuns with Latin and Greek studies and chapel 3x a day to a Court, and bowing men and armed guards everywhere.
September 22. Monday. Capt. Wye with the Assistance came into the Bay of Oeiras and the Conde de Ponte, Sir Richard Fanshaw[e] and myself met upon the shore near Belem Castle.[1] Mr. Myles and a disembarcadero came on board me bound for Tangier.
Copied from The Journal of Edward Mountagu, First Earl of Sandwich Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson Printed for the Navy Records Society MDCCCCXXIX
Belém Tower was first built to defend Lisbon. Years later, it was transformed into a lighthouse and then a customs center.
The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) was built between 1514 and 1520 in a Manuelino style by the Portuguese architect and sculptor Francisco de Arruda. It was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO.
Constructed on the northern bank of the Tagus River, this tower was used to defend the city. Years later, it was transformed into a lighthouse and customs house.
It's located close to the Jerónimos Monastery, so we recommend visiting them on the same day.
The ground floor of this architectural jewel has 16 windows with cannons. The visit also includes a tour of the pits and holes where the prisoners were thrown.
The tower has 5 floors which lead to a roof terrace. Each story is connected by a small and narrow spiral staircase, which, on the busiest days is a little overwhelming, having to wait your turn to go up and down.
The floors are, from bottom to top: The Governor’s Hall, The Kings’ Hall, the Audience Hall, the Chapel, and the Roof terrace.
On the western façade of the Tower of Belém, you’ll find a curious gargoyle in the shape of a rhinoceros. Interestingly, the first rhino to set foot in Portugal was in 1513 from India.
September 22. Sunday. Wind at N.W. The Portugal fleet from the Brazils came into the river and passed by us up to Lisbon, being about 35 or 40 sail, very rich, worth near 2,000,000l. [1] They were 52 sail.
Copied from The Journal of Edward Mountagu, First Earl of Sandwich Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson Printed for the Navy Records Society MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
It looks like Sandwich lost count and wrote in his estimate, which was corrected later with the real number of ships.
[1] M.S. 200,0,000.
Brazil -- Portugal ceded Tangier and Bombay as Catherine's dowry, and compromised to transfer to the English the majority of the places recovered from the Dutch, to share in half the commerce of cinnamon, to install English families with the same privileges of the Portuguese families in Goa, Cochin, Diu, Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro. In exchange, England would give Lisbon military support, protecting Portuguese shipments in the Mediterranean and the coasts of Lisbon and Porto. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
The Town of Oeiras is an ancient place, 17 kilometres west of Lisbon city center. Loosely marking the point at the mouth of the River Tagus where it merges with the Atlantic Ocean, this charming town (set a little inland from the waterfront) is the extension of an integral part of imperial Lisbon that stretches west along the riverbank from the historic center of Belém.
Oeiras’ well-preserved historic centre features the town’s parish church, the exquisite Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Purificação, which is prominently located on Largo 5 de Outubro. Dedicated to Our Lady of Purification, parts of the main structure date back to the 16th century and visitors are urged to look for the altars covered with magnificent marble and decorated with retables, as well as the church’s impressive 18th-century organ.
Oeiras is largely synonymous with Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo (aka the Marquês de Pombal) who presided over the country’s (mis)fortunes when the great earthquake struck in 1755. Famous for ‘burying the dead and healing the living’ (in his words), he set about rebuilding the heart of the Portuguese capital with an innovative grid system now hailed as a masterpiece of forward-thinking urban planning.
For many visitors, the highlight of Oeiras is the delightful palace built for this great man by the renowned Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel (designer of many of Lisbon’s fountains) midway through the 18th century. Notable for their statues and azulejos, the palace’s extensive gardens also have many interesting features ...
Oeiras also boasts an important piece of maritime history, the fort and lighthouse of São Julião da Barra (built as a massive gun platform by King João III in the middle of the 16th century), which along with the Bugio Lighthouse (inaugurated in 1657 on an islet 2.5 kilometres offshore) marks the mouth of the River Tagus.
... Portraying the origins of gunpowder and its use throughout the centuries, the town’s excellent gunpowder museum (Museu da Pólvora Negra) is housed in an old building adjacent to a memorial garden (Jardim da Memória) dedicated to all the workers killed by explosions at the factory. ...
I forgot to reference Sir Richard Fanshawe as being England's Ambassador to Portugal, tasked with getting the marriage contract honored, and the transfer of Tangier and Bombay completed. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
But I think Sandwich is wrong: Amb. Richard is already at Lisbon -- this must be his cousin, Lyonel Fanshawe, who arrives bearing letters, to be his secretary: https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
September 20. Friday. Wind at S.S.W. Blew hard with showers all day. Came in to Lisbon the Princess from London with Sir Richard Fanshaw[e] and another Dutch man of war with the Conde de Miranda, the Portugal Ambassador in Holland.
Copied from The Journal of Edward Mountagu, First Earl of Sandwich Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson Printed for the Navy Records Society MDCCCCXXIX
'A free and voluntary present is a Benevolence. They just didn't call it that.'
The 2 Venetian Ambassadors Extraordinary, Angelo Correr and Michiel Morosini, knew it was a Benevolence -- indicating to me that they happened in other countries in the 17th century besides England. https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
"I am surprised that P can stay so long away from his office. Is somebody acting or substituting for him at the office?"
Me too. Apart that we've also been seeing that there was no money to doooo much.
My theory is that Mennes, Penn and Batten were purposely keeping Pepys in the dark about the peril England was in behind the Royal marriage and taking of Tangier. With him out of the office, it was easier for them to write what contracts there were with nice gratuities built in.
If Pepys were paying attention, he might demand a cut.
Hewer was a willing young man, but it must have been the seasoned William Hayter who was doing the functional part of the job. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
September 18 is World Knot-Tying Day, and if there is anything that The Historic Dockyard -- Chatham (note: NOT WOOLWICH) knows about it's rope and knot-tying. 🪢 https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Summer may be fading fast in the UK, but for those not quite ready to embrace autumn, our writers have chosen their favourite European seaside cities for late season sunshine. One was:
Alicante, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is having a moment, says Jessica Vincent, who grew up in the province. Many talented chefs have returned to their home city, infusing traditional dishes with a new creativity and boosting the culinary scene, while a sprinkling of new hotels and scrubbed-up old town are helping the underrated city to get noticed.
No response from Mystic Seaport yet, but September 18 is World Knot-Tying Day, and if there is anything that The Historic Dockyard Chatham knows about it's rope and knot-tying. 🪢 Not only is the Dockyard home to the last of the original four Royal Navy Ropeyards to remain in operation. A few years ago, The Trust acquired the collections of the Museum of Knots & Sailor’s Ropework (now known as the Pawson Rope Collection). This small museum is based in Ipswich and has been the life work of Des and Liz Pawson. The collection has over 2,000 objects relating to rope, rope making, rope work and tools of the rope and canvas working trades, including a piece of anchor cable (the rope the anchor was attached to that is from HMS Victory believed to be from the 19th Century), preserved for the future. During your visit to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, visit the Ropery Gallery and Ropewalk to experience what rope meant to the dockyard throughout its 400-year history. 👉 View the Pawson Rope Collection: https://bit.ly/CHDT_Pawson-Rope-C….
You probably guessed I lifted this info. off Facebook, which featured a great photo of a hunk of rope you must see to believe (possibly the Victory cable referred to above?), and would be a nightmare to knot. I'm going to ask Pawsons how they attached the unbendable to other things.
Terry asks 'The note by Lord Braybrook says: "The manorial court of Graveley, in Huntingdonshire, to which Impington owed suit or service, and under which the Pepys’s copyhold estates were held. See July 8th, 1661, ante. — B. ↩ " 'But L&M say the manorial court of Graveley, Cambs, .is the manor in which Pepys's copyholds were held: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…'
Graveley is on the border of Hunts. and Cambs., but the county line moved from time to time. It's the same place.
I never thought about this before: The traditional role of the Lord of the Manor was to settle local disputes and administer justice. By the 17th century most towns had a municipal building of some sort where meetings or trials could be held, and presumably where documents could be stored.
But in the country, and Graveley was country, Graveley Manor's Great Hall must have still served the purpose. And the documents involved would stay with the Lord of the Manor afterwards for safe keeping. That was why Pepys went to see Mr. Sedgewick: L&M: Mr. Sedgewick of Cambridge was the Steward of Graveley manor. Pepys consulted with him about Uncle Robert Pepys' will. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl… https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
My first job out of college was as a legal secretary and we did a lot of property conveyancing. Unlike American documentation, the English title documents tracked back the history and ownership of the property, sometimes to the Domesday Book. I learned more about Torquay and the Cary family that way than from any history book! They were cousins of Pepys' Henry Cary, which is why there is a Falkland Avenue in Torquay today. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
How could this be known if the documents were not stored together and consulted from time to time? The local manor house was the obvious location.
This fits with a story I know about Lydiard Trigose near Swindon. At the start of WWI there was a national paper drive for recycling, and the St.John family was moving out of the old house. They donated a ton of paper from the attic. This must have been made up of old legal documents we'd give anything to have today.
FORTUNATELY the St. John's must have run out of time or carts in 1914, because if you become a member of Lydiard today, you can volunteer to decipher and transcribe some of the documents that survived -- from home. It's like reading Pepys' handwriting -- the memories of a village and its people from long ago. https://www.historichouses.org/ho…
Comments
Third Reading
About Saturday 28 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
According to ENGLAND IN THE MEDITERRANEAN : A STUDY OF THE RISE AND INFLUENCE OF BRITISH POWER WITHIN THE STRAITS -- 1603-1713
By JULIAN S. CORBETT
VOL. II
LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.
39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON
NEW YORK AND BOMBAY
1904
"By the end of September, 1661, De Ruyter had been told the Plate fleet was safe in Coruna, ..."
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
So that's where the Groyne is probably located.
A timely historical note: La Coruna was the port hub for the 1588 Armada. On 22 September, 1588, 44 ships led by the Duke of Medina Sidonia arrived back at the Spanish Biscayan ports after successfully circumventing Ireland.
Twenty-two additional ships arrived in the next few days.
The crews of the returning ships had suffered greater than 50 percent casualties due to sickness and privation during the circuitous route home around northern Scotland after the Armada departed the North Sea in August.
The Duke was so ill he had to be carried ashore. In the coming days hundreds of survivors died aboard anchored ships, or in the streets of port towns.
When the Duke recovered enough to take stock of the situation, he realized that two-thirds of the Armada’s 20,000 men had perished, and half the ships had been lost since the expedition set out from La Coruna in July.
https://armadainvincible.com/?fbc…
About Saturday 28 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
From Sandwich's log, at Oeiras near Lisbon
September 28, Saturday
I spoke with the master of an English ship that came from Ribadeo that said the Spanish Plate fleet consisting of 42 sail whereof 16 were men of war, all very rich, arrived at the Groyne the 7th of September.
The fleet made the island of St Mary's only in their passage and thereabouts met with the advisors that turned them to the Groyne for jealousy of the English fleet.
The said master says that there is no army against the Portuguese in Galacia, but that the army that was against them is most dead, 6000 men died.
The Vice-King suspected to have been treacherous therein by poison is sent away a prisoner to Madrid.
Copied from
The Journal of Edward Mountagu
First Earl of Sandwich
Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson
Printed for the Navy Records Society
MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
Ribadeo - Located in the autonomous community of Galicia, in northern Spain, Ribadeo is a picturesque town that charms with its blend of maritime heritage, stunning landscapes, and seafood cuisine
It is located on the coastal part of the Camino del Norte. The town’s port was a bustling hub for trade, and the sea’s influence is evident everywhere.
The old town is made up of narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses, and views of the estuary that supported the community for generations
Seafood plays a starring role. From fresh oysters to savoury empanadas filled with tuna or shellfish, the culinary offerings are a delight. Pairing them with a glass of Albariño, a local white wine, is a gastronomic experience reflecting rich Galician culinary traditions.
One popular visitor activity is exploring Cathedrals Beach. Known locally as Praia das Catedrais, it is famous for its natural arches and caves, resembling Gothic cathedrals. The majestic rock formations create a surreal landscape best explored at low tide
Ribadeo is also a gateway for those walking the Camino de Santiago
https://caminoways.com/ribadeo-a-…
The Groyne -- what's the difference between a mole and a groyne? And where "the" Groyne was, who knows. Sandwich and the Admiralty knew.
Groynes are examples of hard coastal protection structures which aim to protect the shoreline from coastal erosion. For an article which describes the features, possible effects, and different types of groynes that extend from the shore into the sea see https://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/…
The island of St Mary's - there are several, and none fit as a place for the Spanish to intercept the Plate fleet sailing home from South America. Ideas anyone?
The Vice-King of Spain - Philip II is King until 1665, and his son was an infant. Could this be a reference to Philip's "chancellor"? His Wiki bio is unhelpful, as is the Google librarian
Galacia - Ribadeo is located in the autonomous district of Galicia; does it have a groyne?
About Wednesday 25 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
From Sandwich's log, at Oeiras near Lisbon:
September 25, Wednesday.
Capt. Finch with the Forester came into the river to us.
Copied from
The Journal of Edward Mountagu,
First Earl of Sandwich
Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson
Printed for the Navy Records Society
MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
The river Targus https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Wednesday 25 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
'"I hear doth keep open Court, and distinct at Lisbon"
'Could this be interpreted as meaning that Catherine enjoys the limelight, and revels in her new-found identity?'
Catherine was brought up and educated in a convent, close to the Palace. She came out when her engagement was announced.
Charles II was anxious to get his hands on her, but Queen Mother Luisa Guzman apparently decided to teach Catherine how to be a Queen before sending her off to England. Hence she has her own Court. It must have been a big adjustment.
As to whether or not Catherine 'enjoyed the limelight' or 'revelled' in her new-found independence, who knows. I suspect it was overwhelming and, at least at first, unwanted.
I remember an interview with Fergie where she talked about how irritating she found having ladies-in-waiting. She couldn't even pick up her own tissue if she dropped one. For Catherine it must have been hard: from the simple life surrounded by nuns with Latin and Greek studies and chapel 3x a day to a Court, and bowing men and armed guards everywhere.
About The Assistance
San Diego Sarah • Link
The Assistance was with Sandwich at Lisbon in 1661
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Monday 23 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
From Sandwich's log, at Oeiras near Lisbon:
September 22. Monday.
Capt. Wye with the Assistance came into the Bay of Oeiras and the Conde de Ponte, Sir Richard Fanshaw[e] and myself met upon the shore near Belem Castle.[1]
Mr. Myles and a disembarcadero came on board me bound for Tangier.
Copied from
The Journal of Edward Mountagu,
First Earl of Sandwich
Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson
Printed for the Navy Records Society
MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
[1] M.S. Belline
Oeiras https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Sir Richard Fanshawe https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Belem Castle https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
The Assistance https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
The Conde de Ponte -- Amb. Francisco de Mello e Torres (1620-1667) was made Conde da Ponte in 1661 in recognition of his bringing about the engagement of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Lisbon, Portugal
San Diego Sarah • Link
Belém Tower was first built to defend Lisbon. Years later, it was transformed into a lighthouse and then a customs center.
The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) was built between 1514 and 1520 in a Manuelino style by the Portuguese architect and sculptor Francisco de Arruda. It was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO.
Constructed on the northern bank of the Tagus River, this tower was used to defend the city. Years later, it was transformed into a lighthouse and customs house.
It's located close to the Jerónimos Monastery, so we recommend visiting them on the same day.
The ground floor of this architectural jewel has 16 windows with cannons.
The visit also includes a tour of the pits and holes where the prisoners were thrown.
The tower has 5 floors which lead to a roof terrace. Each story is connected by a small and narrow spiral staircase, which, on the busiest days is a little overwhelming, having to wait your turn to go up and down.
The floors are, from bottom to top: The Governor’s Hall, The Kings’ Hall, the Audience Hall, the Chapel, and the Roof terrace.
On the western façade of the Tower of Belém, you’ll find a curious gargoyle in the shape of a rhinoceros. Interestingly, the first rhino to set foot in Portugal was in 1513 from India.
Pictures ... https://www.lisbon.net/belem-tower
About Sunday 22 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
From Sandwich's log, at Oeiras near Lisbon:
September 22. Sunday.
Wind at N.W. The Portugal fleet from the Brazils came into the river and passed by us up to Lisbon, being about 35 or 40 sail, very rich, worth near 2,000,000l. [1]
They were 52 sail.
Copied from
The Journal of Edward Mountagu,
First Earl of Sandwich
Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson
Printed for the Navy Records Society
MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
It looks like Sandwich lost count and wrote in his estimate, which was corrected later with the real number of ships.
[1] M.S. 200,0,000.
Brazil -- Portugal ceded Tangier and Bombay as Catherine's dowry, and compromised to transfer to the English the majority of the places recovered from the Dutch, to share in half the commerce of cinnamon, to install English families with the same privileges of the Portuguese families in Goa, Cochin, Diu, Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro.
In exchange, England would give Lisbon military support, protecting Portuguese shipments in the Mediterranean and the coasts of Lisbon and Porto.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Saturday 21 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
From Sandwich's log, at Lisbon:
September 21. Saturday.
I came again on board my ship in the bay of Oeiras.
Copied from
The Journal of Edward Mountagu,
First Earl of Sandwich
Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson
Printed for the Navy Records Society
MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
Information about Oeiras, about 17 km from the center of Lisbon, at https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Lisbon, Portugal
San Diego Sarah • Link
A picture of the bay of Oeiras, and information about the town of Oeiras at https://portugaltravelguide.com/o…
The Town of Oeiras is an ancient place, 17 kilometres west of Lisbon city center. Loosely marking the point at the mouth of the River Tagus where it merges with the Atlantic Ocean, this charming town (set a little inland from the waterfront) is the extension of an integral part of imperial Lisbon that stretches west along the riverbank from the historic center of Belém.
Oeiras’ well-preserved historic centre features the town’s parish church, the exquisite Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Purificação, which is prominently located on Largo 5 de Outubro. Dedicated to Our Lady of Purification, parts of the main structure date back to the 16th century and visitors are urged to look for the altars covered with magnificent marble and decorated with retables, as well as the church’s impressive 18th-century organ.
Oeiras is largely synonymous with Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo (aka the Marquês de Pombal) who presided over the country’s (mis)fortunes when the great earthquake struck in 1755. Famous for ‘burying the dead and healing the living’ (in his words), he set about rebuilding the heart of the Portuguese capital with an innovative grid system now hailed as a masterpiece of forward-thinking urban planning.
For many visitors, the highlight of Oeiras is the delightful palace built for this great man by the renowned Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel (designer of many of Lisbon’s fountains) midway through the 18th century.
Notable for their statues and azulejos, the palace’s extensive gardens also have many interesting features ...
Oeiras also boasts an important piece of maritime history, the fort and lighthouse of São Julião da Barra (built as a massive gun platform by King João III in the middle of the 16th century), which along with the Bugio Lighthouse (inaugurated in 1657 on an islet 2.5 kilometres offshore) marks the mouth of the River Tagus.
... Portraying the origins of gunpowder and its use throughout the centuries, the town’s excellent gunpowder museum (Museu da Pólvora Negra) is housed in an old building adjacent to a memorial garden (Jardim da Memória) dedicated to all the workers killed by explosions at the factory. ...
About Friday 20 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
I forgot to reference Sir Richard Fanshawe as being England's Ambassador to Portugal, tasked with getting the marriage contract honored, and the transfer of Tangier and Bombay completed.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
But I think Sandwich is wrong: Amb. Richard is already at Lisbon -- this must be his cousin, Lyonel Fanshawe, who arrives bearing letters, to be his secretary:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Friday 20 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
From Sandwich's log, at Lisbon:
September 20. Friday.
Wind at S.S.W. Blew hard with showers all day.
Came in to Lisbon the Princess from London with Sir Richard Fanshaw[e] and another Dutch man of war with the Conde de Miranda, the Portugal Ambassador in Holland.
Copied from
The Journal of Edward Mountagu,
First Earl of Sandwich
Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson
Printed for the Navy Records Society
MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
@@@
The Conde de Miranda, the Portugal Ambassador to the Dutch Republic. Possibly Henrique de Sousa Tavares (1626–1706), 3rd Count of Miranda do Corvo and much later the 1st Marquis of Arronches?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cou…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar…
About Thursday 12 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
From Sandwich's log, at Lisbon:
September 13. Friday.
The Hind ketch set sail for England with a packet for his Royal Highness.
Copied from
The Journal of Edward Mountagu,
First Earl of Sandwich
Admiral and General-at-Sea 1659 - 1665
Edited by RC Anderson
Printed for the Navy Records Society
MDCCCCXXIX
Section III - Mediterranean 1661/62
About Saturday 31 August 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
'A free and voluntary present is a Benevolence. They just didn't call it that.'
The 2 Venetian Ambassadors Extraordinary, Angelo Correr and Michiel Morosini, knew it was a Benevolence -- indicating to me that they happened in other countries in the 17th century besides England.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Thursday 19 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
"I am surprised that P can stay so long away from his office. Is somebody acting or substituting for him at the office?"
Me too. Apart that we've also been seeing that there was no money to doooo much.
My theory is that Mennes, Penn and Batten were purposely keeping Pepys in the dark about the peril England was in behind the Royal marriage and taking of Tangier. With him out of the office, it was easier for them to write what contracts there were with nice gratuities built in.
If Pepys were paying attention, he might demand a cut.
Hewer was a willing young man, but it must have been the seasoned William Hayter who was doing the functional part of the job.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Ropeyard (Woolwich)
San Diego Sarah • Link
September 18 is World Knot-Tying Day, and if there is anything that The Historic Dockyard -- Chatham (note: NOT WOOLWICH) knows about it's rope and knot-tying. 🪢
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Alicante, Spain
San Diego Sarah • Link
Summer may be fading fast in the UK, but for those not quite ready to embrace autumn, our writers have chosen their favourite European seaside cities for late season sunshine. One was:
Alicante, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is having a moment, says Jessica Vincent, who grew up in the province. Many talented chefs have returned to their home city, infusing traditional dishes with a new creativity and boosting the culinary scene, while a sprinkling of new hotels and scrubbed-up old town are helping the underrated city to get noticed.
From The Guardian's Travel Section
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/…
About Wednesday 28 August 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
No response from Mystic Seaport yet, but September 18 is World Knot-Tying Day, and if there is anything that The Historic Dockyard Chatham knows about it's rope and knot-tying. 🪢
Not only is the Dockyard home to the last of the original four Royal Navy Ropeyards to remain in operation. A few years ago, The Trust acquired the collections of the Museum of Knots & Sailor’s Ropework (now known as the Pawson Rope Collection).
This small museum is based in Ipswich and has been the life work of Des and Liz Pawson. The collection has over 2,000 objects relating to rope, rope making, rope work and tools of the rope and canvas working trades, including a piece of anchor cable (the rope the anchor was attached to that is from HMS Victory believed to be from the 19th Century), preserved for the future.
During your visit to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, visit the Ropery Gallery and Ropewalk to experience what rope meant to the dockyard throughout its 400-year history.
👉 View the Pawson Rope Collection: https://bit.ly/CHDT_Pawson-Rope-C….
You probably guessed I lifted this info. off Facebook, which featured a great photo of a hunk of rope you must see to believe (possibly the Victory cable referred to above?), and would be a nightmare to knot. I'm going to ask Pawsons how they attached the unbendable to other things.
About Mr Sedgewick
San Diego Sarah • Link
Info. on Graveley at
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Monday 16 September 1661
San Diego Sarah • Link
Terry asks 'The note by Lord Braybrook says: "The manorial court of Graveley, in Huntingdonshire, to which Impington owed suit or service, and under which the Pepys’s copyhold estates were held. See July 8th, 1661, ante. — B. ↩ "
'But L&M say the manorial court of Graveley, Cambs, .is the manor in which Pepys's copyholds were held: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…'
Graveley is on the border of Hunts. and Cambs., but the county line moved from time to time. It's the same place.
I never thought about this before: The traditional role of the Lord of the Manor was to settle local disputes and administer justice. By the 17th century most towns had a municipal building of some sort where meetings or trials could be held, and presumably where documents could be stored.
But in the country, and Graveley was country, Graveley Manor's Great Hall must have still served the purpose. And the documents involved would stay with the Lord of the Manor afterwards for safe keeping. That was why Pepys went to see Mr. Sedgewick:
L&M: Mr. Sedgewick of Cambridge was the Steward of Graveley manor. Pepys consulted with him about Uncle Robert Pepys' will.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
My first job out of college was as a legal secretary and we did a lot of property conveyancing. Unlike American documentation, the English title documents tracked back the history and ownership of the property, sometimes to the Domesday Book. I learned more about Torquay and the Cary family that way than from any history book!
They were cousins of Pepys' Henry Cary, which is why there is a Falkland Avenue in Torquay today.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
How could this be known if the documents were not stored together and consulted from time to time? The local manor house was the obvious location.
This fits with a story I know about Lydiard Trigose near Swindon.
At the start of WWI there was a national paper drive for recycling, and the St.John family was moving out of the old house. They donated a ton of paper from the attic. This must have been made up of old legal documents we'd give anything to have today.
FORTUNATELY the St. John's must have run out of time or carts in 1914, because if you become a member of Lydiard today, you can volunteer to decipher and transcribe some of the documents that survived -- from home. It's like reading Pepys' handwriting -- the memories of a village and its people from long ago.
https://www.historichouses.org/ho…