The Royal Collection Trust has a nice bit on Robert Vyner, or Viner, who was Royal Goldsmith from September 1660 until his death in 1688.
He was instrumental in the creation of new regalia and royal plate for the coronations of both Charles II and James II. Today, the items he supplied remain the central components of the Crown Jewels.
When Charles II returned to England at the Interregnum, all the medieval Crown Jewels except the coronation spoon had been sold or melted down. Charles commissioning replacement pieces for his 1661 coronation, based closely on medieval precedent. The commission was passed from the Jewel House in the Tower of London to Robert Vyner, Royal Goldsmith, in September 1660.
Robert Vyner oversaw the production of some of the most important pieces of regalia in the Royal Collection, including St. Edward's Crown (used at the moment of coronation), the Sovereign's Orb and the two Sovereign's Sceptres. He also procured some of the outstanding 17th-century banqueting and church plate in the Royal Collection, including the Communion chalice and paten, and the Exeter Salt and Plymouth Fountain.
Robert Vyner's role was more of a financer and a manager than of a craftsman. With his business partner and uncle, Sir Thomas Vyner, they outsourced work to other jewelers, goldsmiths and silversmiths, many of whom remain unidentified. Once completed, their productions were gathered and an aggregate bill submitted to Charles II. In 1661, the bill for new regalia came to £12,184 7s. 6d.
Robert Vyner's position as Royal Goldsmith was secured for life by letters patent in July 1661, and he was knighted in 1665.
Sir Robert Vyner was created a Baronet in 1666.
Late and incomplete payments from Charles II led to a number of petitions from Sir Robert Vyner and his associates, including one in 1673 in which Vyner pleaded that he was close to bankruptcy.
Remember that awful Lady Elizabeth Savage Petre, who tormented William Joyce a year ago in the House of Lords? She died today. I wonder if he ever got paid.
And today my theory that the waste fell into the cellar and was collected in barrels takes a step forward. This article is about some Dutch wine barrels from the 1680's that have been found well preserved, and they are finding out what these Dutch merchants ate from the contents.
Pepys portrays Philip as socially and physically challenged; he has to be told how to behave in "good" company; he has to be carried to bed early; he's too shy to hold Jem's hand; yet Wikipedia says that "Philip was elected Fellow of the Royal Society on 15 February 1665." That's the same day Pepys was elected, so he can't have been dumb.
When Pepys first met the Carteret family in 1663, only the girls were home. The two elder brothers were serving in the Navy, Philip as Lieutenant of the ‘Foresight’ and James in the 'Royal Prince’. So he was exposed to the world.
"Here Sir G. Carteret would have me lie all night, which I did most nobly, better than ever I did in my life, Sir G. Carteret being mighty kind to me, leading me to my chamber; ..."
I can see it now: Carteret with a candelabra in hand, leading Pepys up the grand staircase and down the gallery, with framed paintings of past Treasurers of the Navy looking down, pointing out a few mementos of Prince Charles' stay in Jersey casually scattered around. At double doors Pepys is admitted to a room with a four poster bed and silken hangings. Carteret lights a dozen candles in silver holders, and wishes him a good night. The blue-and-white chamber pot, washing bowl and jug of water come from China. The vast marble fireplace ... the oriental rug ... the paneling ... the bow window overlooking the river Thames, and London twinkling in the distance behind the velvet drapes -- you know, how the other half lives. Pepys hums,"If they could see me now ..." and thinks of his parents and Elizabeth -- and Mrs. Bagwell, as he bounces on the bed and counts the goosedown-filled pillows. "You've come a long way, baby!"
"... Mr. Carteret is to go to visit her tomorrow; and my proposal of waiting on him, he being to go alone to all persons strangers to him, was well accepted, and so I go with him."
"L&M note that a "family adviser" was a usual presence during the courtship in an arranged marriage at that time; that here Pepys's client as matchmaker is Lady Jemima Mountagu; ..."
I hate to disagree with L&M, but this reads to me that Lady Jem has her aunt and all sorts of support for this first meeting with her intended. Pepys has offered to accompany Philip Carteret so the young man has the support of someone who can introduce him around and help him feel comfortable.
I'm sure they are correct in saying that it was customary for there to be other adults around during these delicate first introductions.
FINALLY we know how Pepys woke up in the morning: "... and so to bed, to be up betimes by the help of a larum watch, which by chance I borrowed of my watchmaker today, while my own is mending."
"... I by water to Woolwich, where I found my wife come, and her two maids, and very prettily accommodated they will be; and I left them going to supper, grieved in my heart to part with my wife, being worse by much without her, though some trouble there is in having the care of a family at home in this plague time, and so took leave, and I in one boat and W. Hewer in another home very late, first against tide, we having walked in the dark to Greenwich."
I'm guessing Mercer was one maid, and hopefully it was the little girl, since I can't see her being left at Seething Lane with Pepys. Of the three, I think Elizabeth is the best cook.
What is scurvy? A condition caused by a lack of vitamin C. Most animals can manufacture their own vitamin C in their bodies - exceptions include humans, monkeys and guinea pigs A lack of vitamin C means that collagen, a protein found in body tissue such as skin, cannot be replaced, leading to tissue breakdown A diet with no vitamin C could lead to symptoms within four weeks Adult patients may suffer from fatigue, bleeding gums, joint pain, shortness of breath, slow-healing wounds and potentially-fatal heart problems Guava, chillies and red peppers contain much more vitamin C than citrus fruit (Source: British Dietetic Association)
Lady Anne Carteret married Sir Nicholas Slanning, K.B., on November 4, 1662. He became a Cup-bearer to Queen Catherine of Braganza 1663-?d., and at this time holds some posts in Devon and Cornwall (being a West Country lad). They had one daughter before Lady Anne dies in 1668.
She is described as being “a pious and good-humored lady, connected him with one of the most powerful figures in the Clarendon administration, and earned him a baronetcy, a minor post at Court, and the grant of the governorship of Pendennis in reversion to his step-father.” He liked chemistry, became a fellow of the Royal Society, and discovered a cheaper and better way of melting, forging, and refining iron and other metals with turf and peat, to the great preservation of wood and timber -- so he must have known Pepys.
"... and so I by water, at night late, to Sir G. Carteret’s, ... There come to dinner, ..."
Is this the first time Pepys has referred to the evening meal as dinner? I believe the major meal of the day back then was called dinner, and usually served at midday.
Perhaps the disruption in people's routines and housing has resulted in some servants 'disappearing,' or they can't be accommodated at the new evacuation lodgings?
Another thought: Food must be becoming scarce in London, so if you could arrange to eat in the suburbs, that was a good idea.
I note Lady Carteret has served Pepys more meals than usual this week. As a member of the gentry with an "official" (i.e. larger than most) residence, perhaps Pepys has made an arrangement with her to eat there when he and Elizabeth can.
Perhaps this is merely a coincidence? -- will it continue?
In 1665 the English ambassador to Madrid was Sir Richard Fanshawe. His wife, Anne, wrote an incredible memoir years later. She documents the earliest recipe for a dairy-based icecream written around 1665, with the name "icy cream". The ingredients (below) include flavorings: orange blossom water, mace, and ambergris (a waxy substance produced in the gut of whales).
Since she was living in Spain, maybe icrecream is a Spanish invention?
To make Icy Cream:
"Take three pints of the best cream, boyle it with a blade of Mace, or else perfume it with orang flower water or Amber-Greece, sweeten the Cream, with sugar let it stand till it is quite cold, then put it into Boxes, ether of Silver or tinn then take, Ice chopped into small peeces and putt it into a tub and set the Boxes in the Ice covering them all over, and let them stand in the Ice two hours, and the Cream Will come to be Ice in the Boxes, then turn them out into a salvar with some of the same Seasoned Cream, so sarve it up at the Table."
In those days, cooks were just beginning to understand freezing theory, uncertain about how much ice was necessary, how much salt was needed to mix with the ice, and how keep the salt out of the ice cream. Having made the icecream, how could they store and drain it, all big problems before refrigeration. Flavor seems to have come in second to freezing.
I understand that if you follow her recipe you will end up with a lump of iced cream, unlike anything you would consider eating.
"... and then by a solemn invitation to the Trinity House, where a great dinner and company, Captain Dobbin’s feast for Elder Brother. But I broke up before the dinner half over and by water to the Harp and Ball, and thence had Mary meet me at the New Exchange, ..."
Remember when going to the Trinity House dinner was the most exciting event? "... by a solemn invitation ..." wasn't solemn enough to keep Pepys in his seat "I broke up before the dinner half over" so he could see young Mary at the pub.
Being near to death gives people a different perspective on what's important.
And he didn't personally know Capt. Dobbins, judging from the Diary.
Almost: 1. Wakes up with wife at Shelden's in Woolwich. 2. From there, by water to the Duke of Albemarle's, at the Cockpit, Whitehall. 3. From there, home for a while. 4. Then, in Povy's coach to Brentford, Middlesex with Tasbrough. 5. Although it was a dinner invitation, after 15 minutes at Brentford, left with Povy in the coach to the Park pale, the fence at Hampton Court. 6. After business at court, on Povy's horse to Kingston-on-Thames. 7. Then by water (with "two sturdy rogues") to London – but he chose to get out at Richmond, picked up Charnocke, who is blitzed. 8. walked with Charnocke to Moreclacke/Mortlake 9. Stayed a while – doesn’t say so, but I bet he had something to eat. 10. At last, bade Nan good night and – maybe to bed? Maybe off to London by boat? -- but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.
Breaking this story down: "... Mr. Povy and I after him in the chariot; and I was set down by him at the Parke pale, where one of his saddle horses was ready for me, he himself not daring to come into the house or be seen ..."
Brentford to Hampton Court Palace is about 8 miles. Pepys was set down by Povy at the Park walls, where one of Povy's saddle horses was ready so Pepys could ride into Hampton Court Palace, as Povy wanted to stay out of sight.
Povy's excuse was that he had a sick servant -- nothing to worry about of course!
"But this opportunity was taken to injure Povy, and most horribly he is abused by some persons hereupon, and his fortune, I believe, quite broke; but that he hath a good heart to bear, or a cunning one to conceal his evil."
Because Povy wasn't there, the people Pepys met in the Palace felt free to gossip maliciously that Povy was broke, stupid, whatever. Pepys muses to himself that Povy is probably ruined by his bad business practices, in which case he is bearing his misfortune with grace ... or perhaps Povy has socked away a fortune and is playing them all for fools?
"I lacke time to stay, besides that it is, I perceive, an unpleasing thing to be at Court, everybody being fearful one of another, and all so sad, enquiring after the plague, so that I stole away by my horse to Kingston, ..."
Pepys then quietly leaves on Povy's horse, without Creed, and rides the 4 miles to Kingston. There are lots of inns in the large market town, so he can leave the horse, probably to be picked up by one of Povy's lackeys (8 miles from Kingston to Brentford; less if you can ride through Richmond Park).
It sounds as if Pepys made a genuine effort to get home that night, but between drunks and unwilling rogues, he was forced to stay at Mortlake.
In 1663 the Paston family of Norfolk had a painting commissioned which showed their worldly wealth ... and a clock appears on the right hand side. Looks like it has two hands to me.
Comments
Second Reading
About Ald. Robert Vyner
San Diego Sarah • Link
The Royal Collection Trust has a nice bit on Robert Vyner, or Viner, who was Royal Goldsmith from September 1660 until his death in 1688.
He was instrumental in the creation of new regalia and royal plate for the coronations of both Charles II and James II. Today, the items he supplied remain the central components of the Crown Jewels.
When Charles II returned to England at the Interregnum, all the medieval Crown Jewels except the coronation spoon had been sold or melted down. Charles commissioning replacement pieces for his 1661 coronation, based closely on medieval precedent. The commission was passed from the Jewel House in the Tower of London to Robert Vyner, Royal Goldsmith, in September 1660.
Robert Vyner oversaw the production of some of the most important pieces of regalia in the Royal Collection, including St. Edward's Crown (used at the moment of coronation), the Sovereign's Orb and the two Sovereign's Sceptres. He also procured some of the outstanding 17th-century banqueting and church plate in the Royal Collection, including the Communion chalice and paten, and the Exeter Salt and Plymouth Fountain.
Robert Vyner's role was more of a financer and a manager than of a craftsman. With his business partner and uncle, Sir Thomas Vyner, they outsourced work to other jewelers, goldsmiths and silversmiths, many of whom remain unidentified. Once completed, their productions were gathered and an aggregate bill submitted to Charles II. In 1661, the bill for new regalia came to £12,184 7s. 6d.
Robert Vyner's position as Royal Goldsmith was secured for life by letters patent in July 1661, and he was knighted in 1665.
Sir Robert Vyner was created a Baronet in 1666.
Late and incomplete payments from Charles II led to a number of petitions from Sir Robert Vyner and his associates, including one in 1673 in which Vyner pleaded that he was close to bankruptcy.
https://www.royalcollection.org.u…
About Wednesday 19 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
Remember that awful Lady Elizabeth Savage Petre, who tormented William Joyce a year ago in the House of Lords? She died today. I wonder if he ever got paid.
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
About Swan
San Diego Sarah • Link
Photos of this year's swan upping and an explanation of how it's done:
http://spitalfieldslife.com/2018/…
About Pepys’ home in Seething Lane
San Diego Sarah • Link
And today my theory that the waste fell into the cellar and was collected in barrels takes a step forward. This article is about some Dutch wine barrels from the 1680's that have been found well preserved, and they are finding out what these Dutch merchants ate from the contents.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/arti…
About Philip Carteret
San Diego Sarah • Link
Pepys portrays Philip as socially and physically challenged; he has to be told how to behave in "good" company; he has to be carried to bed early; he's too shy to hold Jem's hand; yet Wikipedia says that "Philip was elected Fellow of the Royal Society on 15 February 1665." That's the same day Pepys was elected, so he can't have been dumb.
When Pepys first met the Carteret family in 1663, only the girls were home. The two elder brothers were serving in the Navy, Philip as Lieutenant of the ‘Foresight’ and James in the 'Royal Prince’. So he was exposed to the world.
I'm finding it hard to understand this young man.
About Monday 17 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Here Sir G. Carteret would have me lie all night, which I did most nobly, better than ever I did in my life, Sir G. Carteret being mighty kind to me, leading me to my chamber; ..."
I can see it now: Carteret with a candelabra in hand, leading Pepys up the grand staircase and down the gallery, with framed paintings of past Treasurers of the Navy looking down, pointing out a few mementos of Prince Charles' stay in Jersey casually scattered around. At double doors Pepys is admitted to a room with a four poster bed and silken hangings. Carteret lights a dozen candles in silver holders, and wishes him a good night. The blue-and-white chamber pot, washing bowl and jug of water come from China. The vast marble fireplace ... the oriental rug ... the paneling ... the bow window overlooking the river Thames, and London twinkling in the distance behind the velvet drapes -- you know, how the other half lives. Pepys hums,"If they could see me now ..." and thinks of his parents and Elizabeth -- and Mrs. Bagwell, as he bounces on the bed and counts the goosedown-filled pillows. "You've come a long way, baby!"
About Sunday 16 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"After Mr. Carteret was carried to his chamber, we to prayers again and then to bed."
He was so drunk he had to be carried early to bed? ... too tired? ... too stressed? This couldn't have made a good impression. He missed prayers.
About Friday 14 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... Mr. Carteret is to go to visit her tomorrow; and my proposal of waiting on him, he being to go alone to all persons strangers to him, was well accepted, and so I go with him."
"L&M note that a "family adviser" was a usual presence during the courtship in an arranged marriage at that time; that here Pepys's client as matchmaker is Lady Jemima Mountagu; ..."
I hate to disagree with L&M, but this reads to me that Lady Jem has her aunt and all sorts of support for this first meeting with her intended. Pepys has offered to accompany Philip Carteret so the young man has the support of someone who can introduce him around and help him feel comfortable.
I'm sure they are correct in saying that it was customary for there to be other adults around during these delicate first introductions.
About Clocks and watches
San Diego Sarah • Link
FINALLY we know how Pepys woke up in the morning:
"... and so to bed, to be up betimes by the help of a larum watch, which by chance I borrowed of my watchmaker today, while my own is mending."
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Thursday 13 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
Did some servants relocate with Bess?
Yes, see https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
"... I by water to Woolwich, where I found my wife come, and her two maids, and very prettily accommodated they will be; and I left them going to supper, grieved in my heart to part with my wife, being worse by much without her, though some trouble there is in having the care of a family at home in this plague time, and so took leave, and I in one boat and W. Hewer in another home very late, first against tide, we having walked in the dark to Greenwich."
I'm guessing Mercer was one maid, and hopefully it was the little girl, since I can't see her being left at Seething Lane with Pepys. Of the three, I think Elizabeth is the best cook.
About Other illnesses
San Diego Sarah • Link
What is scurvy?
A condition caused by a lack of vitamin C.
Most animals can manufacture their own vitamin C in their bodies - exceptions include humans, monkeys and guinea pigs
A lack of vitamin C means that collagen, a protein found in body tissue such as skin, cannot be replaced, leading to tissue breakdown
A diet with no vitamin C could lead to symptoms within four weeks
Adult patients may suffer from fatigue, bleeding gums, joint pain, shortness of breath, slow-healing wounds and potentially-fatal heart problems
Guava, chillies and red peppers contain much more vitamin C than citrus fruit
(Source: British Dietetic Association)
About Lady Anne Slaning (b. Carteret)
San Diego Sarah • Link
Lady Anne Carteret married Sir Nicholas Slanning, K.B., on November 4, 1662. He became a Cup-bearer to Queen Catherine of Braganza 1663-?d., and at this time holds some posts in Devon and Cornwall (being a West Country lad). They had one daughter before Lady Anne dies in 1668.
She is described as being “a pious and good-humored lady, connected him with one of the most powerful figures in the Clarendon administration, and earned him a baronetcy, a minor post at Court, and the grant of the governorship of Pendennis in reversion to his step-father.” He liked chemistry, became a fellow of the Royal Society, and discovered a cheaper and better way of melting, forging, and refining iron and other metals with turf and peat, to the great preservation of wood and timber -- so he must have known Pepys.
For more information see http://www.historyofparliamentonl…
About Thursday 13 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"fingers of bread dipped in whipped cream"
Ginger bread dunked in whipped cream sounds good to me.
About Thursday 13 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and so I by water, at night late, to Sir G. Carteret’s, ...
There come to dinner, ..."
Is this the first time Pepys has referred to the evening meal as dinner? I believe the major meal of the day back then was called dinner, and usually served at midday.
Perhaps the disruption in people's routines and housing has resulted in some servants 'disappearing,' or they can't be accommodated at the new evacuation lodgings?
Another thought: Food must be becoming scarce in London, so if you could arrange to eat in the suburbs, that was a good idea.
I note Lady Carteret has served Pepys more meals than usual this week. As a member of the gentry with an "official" (i.e. larger than most) residence, perhaps Pepys has made an arrangement with her to eat there when he and Elizabeth can.
Perhaps this is merely a coincidence? -- will it continue?
About Anne Fanshawe
San Diego Sarah • Link
In 1665 the English ambassador to Madrid was Sir Richard Fanshawe. His wife, Anne, wrote an incredible memoir years later. She documents the earliest recipe for a dairy-based icecream written around 1665, with the name "icy cream". The ingredients (below) include flavorings: orange blossom water, mace, and ambergris (a waxy substance produced in the gut of whales).
Since she was living in Spain, maybe icrecream is a Spanish invention?
To make Icy Cream:
"Take three pints of the best cream, boyle it with a blade of Mace, or else perfume it with orang flower water or Amber-Greece, sweeten the Cream, with sugar let it stand till it is quite cold, then put it into Boxes, ether of Silver or tinn then take, Ice chopped into small peeces and putt it into a tub and set the Boxes in the Ice covering them all over, and let them stand in the Ice two hours, and the Cream Will come to be Ice in the Boxes, then turn them out into a salvar with some of the same Seasoned Cream, so sarve it up at the Table."
In those days, cooks were just beginning to understand freezing theory, uncertain about how much ice was necessary, how much salt was needed to mix with the ice, and how keep the salt out of the ice cream. Having made the icecream, how could they store and drain it, all big problems before refrigeration. Flavor seems to have come in second to freezing.
I understand that if you follow her recipe you will end up with a lump of iced cream, unlike anything you would consider eating.
For more information about the early history of icecream, see https://englishhistoryauthors.blo…
About Tuesday 11 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and then by a solemn invitation to the Trinity House, where a great dinner and company, Captain Dobbin’s feast for Elder Brother. But I broke up before the dinner half over and by water to the Harp and Ball, and thence had Mary meet me at the New Exchange, ..."
Remember when going to the Trinity House dinner was the most exciting event? "... by a solemn invitation ..." wasn't solemn enough to keep Pepys in his seat "I broke up before the dinner half over" so he could see young Mary at the pub.
Being near to death gives people a different perspective on what's important.
And he didn't personally know Capt. Dobbins, judging from the Diary.
About Monday 10 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Have I got this straight?"
Almost:
1. Wakes up with wife at Shelden's in Woolwich.
2. From there, by water to the Duke of Albemarle's, at the Cockpit, Whitehall.
3. From there, home for a while.
4. Then, in Povy's coach to Brentford, Middlesex with Tasbrough.
5. Although it was a dinner invitation, after 15 minutes at Brentford, left with Povy in the coach to the Park pale, the fence at Hampton Court.
6. After business at court, on Povy's horse to Kingston-on-Thames.
7. Then by water (with "two sturdy rogues") to London – but he chose to get out at Richmond, picked up Charnocke, who is blitzed.
8. walked with Charnocke to Moreclacke/Mortlake
9. Stayed a while – doesn’t say so, but I bet he had something to eat.
10. At last, bade Nan good night and – maybe to bed? Maybe off to London by boat? -- but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.
About Kingston
San Diego Sarah • Link
Kingston-on-Thames, 4 miles from Hampton Court Palace.
About Monday 10 July 1665
San Diego Sarah • Link
Breaking this story down:
"... Mr. Povy and I after him in the chariot; and I was set down by him at the Parke pale, where one of his saddle horses was ready for me, he himself not daring to come into the house or be seen ..."
Brentford to Hampton Court Palace is about 8 miles. Pepys was set down by Povy at the Park walls, where one of Povy's saddle horses was ready so Pepys could ride into Hampton Court Palace, as Povy wanted to stay out of sight.
Povy's excuse was that he had a sick servant -- nothing to worry about of course!
"But this opportunity was taken to injure Povy, and most horribly he is abused by some persons hereupon, and his fortune, I believe, quite broke; but that he hath a good heart to bear, or a cunning one to conceal his evil."
Because Povy wasn't there, the people Pepys met in the Palace felt free to gossip maliciously that Povy was broke, stupid, whatever. Pepys muses to himself that Povy is probably ruined by his bad business practices, in which case he is bearing his misfortune with grace ... or perhaps Povy has socked away a fortune and is playing them all for fools?
"I lacke time to stay, besides that it is, I perceive, an unpleasing thing to be at Court, everybody being fearful one of another, and all so sad, enquiring after the plague, so that I stole away by my horse to Kingston, ..."
Pepys then quietly leaves on Povy's horse, without Creed, and rides the 4 miles to Kingston. There are lots of inns in the large market town, so he can leave the horse, probably to be picked up by one of Povy's lackeys (8 miles from Kingston to Brentford; less if you can ride through Richmond Park).
It sounds as if Pepys made a genuine effort to get home that night, but between drunks and unwilling rogues, he was forced to stay at Mortlake.
About Clocks and watches
San Diego Sarah • Link
In 1663 the Paston family of Norfolk had a painting commissioned which showed their worldly wealth ... and a clock appears on the right hand side. Looks like it has two hands to me.
https://www.theguardian.com/artan…