After urging the House ‘to remove all scandalous ministers, but not to press the 39 Articles’, Col. Edward King MP took the chair in the committee for settling ecclesiastical livings. There appears to have been a small Anglican majority on this committee, but by adroit use of his powers he was able to ensure that only constant refusal of the sacraments should be deemed a disqualification.
On 4 Aug. 1660, Col. Edward King reported a bill to set up a disbandment commission.
He was teller against the Lords’ amendment to the disablement clause of the indemnity bill, and helped to manage a conference; but when it was objected that the Commons were obliged in honour to defend the lives of those regicides who had come in on the proclamation, he declared unanswerably that ‘God had infatuated them to bring them to justice’.
On 16 Aug. he carried an order to the Lords appointing a new treasurer for the maimed soldiers in Ely House and the Savoy. But for most of the month his prime concern was the ecclesiastical livings bill; he reported it on 14 Aug., and after long debate warded off a renewed Anglican attempt on the floor of the House to prevent denial of the sacrament to those who were not scandalous or ignorant. He brought in a bill for a temporary restraint on ecclesiastical leases, and opposed an inquiry into presentations to crown livings. On the last day of August the main bill was ordered to be engrossed, and Col. Edward King MP was among those entrusted with directing the clerk of the Commons over any difficulties that might arise in the process, and with managing a conference.
On 6 Sept. 1660, Col. King obtained an order from the House empowering the disbandment commissioners to obtain assistance from the civil authorities, and was nominated to the commission. He was among those ordered to amend the instructions so that the garrisons should be disbanded last, and helped to manage a conference.
During the recess Wharton sent Col. King a copy of the case for modified episcopacy, with objections and answers, but he took no part in the debate.
On most other matters in the second session, Col. King acted with the Opposition. He moved for an inquiry into the present state of the revenue before any additional supply, and on 3 Dec. he was ordered with Nicholas Pedley and John Glyn to take care of an inquiry into obstructions in levying the poll-tax. If London obtained an Act to impose a rate for expenditure on Charles II’s reception, he argued, ‘they must do the same favour to every city and county that desired it’, and he acted as teller against the bill.
He complained of the arbitrary power of the lords lieutenant, and seconded Andrew Marvell MP in denouncing the fees of £150 extorted from John Milton by the serjeant-at-arms.
After the Restoration, Col. King MP was among those ordered to draft clauses of exception to the indemnity bill and to administer the oaths of allegiance and supremacy to his fellow-Members. On 8 June, 1660, he was appointed to the committees to prepare a proviso about those regicides who had obeyed the proclamation to give themselves up and to establish the names of those who had sat in judgment on King Charles without signing the death sentence. He was teller against allowing a full pardon to William Lenthall and Sir William Roberts, and for the soldiers William Sydenham, William Boteler and Richard Creed. He favoured excepting all members of the high court of justice, and spoke against reading a petition from Oliver St.John He favoured referring the petition from the intruded dons at Oxford and the unauthorized issue of Anglican publications to special committees, on both of which he served. As chairman of the committee for the impropriate rectories surrendered by Royalists as part of their compositions, he desired to prevent their immediate return, and was empowered to take over their management from the trustees for the maintenance of ministers He was named to the committees to consider the surest and speediest way to satisfy Gen. Monck’s claim on the revenue, and to recommend an establishment for Dunkirk.
Col. Edward King MP opposed requiring the beneficiaries of the indemnity bill to go through the expensive process of suing out a pardon under the great seal, but he supported a wide measure of political disablement: ‘’Twas not prudence to set up those in power that now lie under our feet, nor that any in the House that are guilty of such crimes should plead their own causes’. His speeches are not normally remarkable for colourful expressions, but on the proposal to compel Protectorate officials to refund their salaries he observed succinctly that ‘’twas fit such sponges should be squeezed’, and he acted as teller for the proviso He was among those ordered to prepare reasons for a conference on 3 orders issued by the Upper House and to consider two provisos to the indemnity bill on 7 July. Four days later he reported that John Hutchinson MP should be compelled to refund the rewards granted to him by the Long Parliament at the expense of the Newark Royalists, and the proviso was added to the bill. He urged that religious doctrine and ecclesiastical discipline should be discussed separately, saying that ‘no man could tell what the discipline according to law was’, and he supported Prynne’s motion that the grand committee on religion should not meet again until further orders. On 21 July he introduced a petition from divers ministers in sequestrated livings, for which he obtained a reading only by a narrow majority.
His speech of 27 July suggests that his honeymoon with Charles II was nearing its end: ‘though he could not but admire his Majesty’s goodness, yet he desired to hasten the bill of indemnity’.
Edward King’s grandfather, a Londoner of Suffolk origin, bought a home in Ashby de la Launde, Lincolnshire, in 1580. His father avoided commitment in the Civil Wars, but Edward King (1606-1681) fought for the Parliamentary side. He took part in the first attack on Newark, and was indicted for treason at the Lincolnshire assizes in 1643. Although a rigid Presbyterian, Col. King quarrelled with Lord Willoughby of Parham, and was regarded with suspicion by Oliver Cromwell, so in 1645 his commissions were cancelled at the request of the county committee.
Later in 1645 Col. Edward King stood unsuccessfully for Grimsby against Sir William Wray, and he became recorder of the borough in succession to a Royalist.
In 1647, Col. King was in trouble for obstructing the collection of taxes; he held no further county office until the eve of the Restoration, and in 1659 Gervase Holles MP included him among the Lincolnshire Royalists.
Col. Edward King was returned for Grimsby on his corporation interest at the general election of 1660, and became one of the most active Members of the Convention Parliament, with special interest in the indemnity proceedings, the religious settlement, and the disbandment of the army. He was named to 83 committees, in 8 of which he took the chair, acted as teller in 24 divisions, and made 45 recorded speeches. ‘Factious and fanatical enough’, he was marked by Lord Wharton as a friend, but won over to the Court a few days before the opening of Parliament by a leading London Royalist, who was soon able to report with satisfaction that ‘none act more vigorously for the King in the House than Prynne and King’, who were ‘resolved to drive on as fast as possible’.
On 26 Apr. 1660, Col. Edward King MP proposed, in barely veiled language, that they should render unto Caesar the things that were Caesar’s, ‘which was acclaimed as a good motion’, although not by George Monck, who told King that ‘he could not promise to keep the people quiet if such motions were made’. On Mordaunt’s advice, Col. King moved on the following day ‘the stopping all private business till the public was settled, and to adjourn for a day or two’. He was seconded by Heneage Finch MP, anxious to secure time for the Declaration of Breda to arrive before the elections committee could question the return of Cavaliers and their sons, contrary to the Long Parliament ordinance.
On 15 May, Col. Edward King MP was named to the committees to examine John Thurloe, and to consider the indemnity bill. As chairman of the committee to prepare measures against recusants he reported a proclamation against Jesuits and seminary priests and carried it to the Lords on 29 May.
"COLLATION was a light meal served cold with an emphasis on sweets. In the 16th century it was part of the French court. Themes often centered around classical mythology or allegories. In 1571 at a feast honoring Elizabeth of Austria, the new bride of Charles IX, the dinner was followed by dancing. After dancing a collation was served with preserves, sweet biscuits, fruits, marzipan, sugar paste formed into meats and fish, with six large sugar sculptures of Minerva bringing peace to Athens."
This quote is taken from 'Some Sweet Terms' by Elise Fleming.
"... they have cast me at midshipman’s pay, which do make my heart very glad."
I think Pepys is happy about being rated at the midshipman's pay scale -- he's been looking for some extra money with which to celebrate the Coronation for a couple of weeks now: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
It does seem like double-dipping to me.
As for having to be a gentleman first, Alter Kacker, everything has always been easier if you are a gentleman. I think a young lad at this time would need a Navy Captain as a sponsor, and being the child of a gentleman would make such introductions easier to come by. This wasn't so true in the merchant navy (often referred to as "tars" if they were of the Republican persuasion, which most of them were): boys would be taken into the family business.
The Navy used to appropriate merchant ships when it came time to fight -- I presume at least some of the crew went with the ship, to represent the owner's interests? And if you were Vice Adm. John Lawson, you stayed in the Navy and didn't return to the exciting life of running coal from Newcastle to London.
Pepys and others will make changes in how Naval officers are employed after the Diary. Paying people to be professionals, even when they are not at sea, is becoming essential as the weapons and ships become more complicated, and required experienced personnel. (Actually, the rigging and the ships did not change that much, but the techniques of how to sail them better did develop, and it took years to acquire any depth of knowledge, competence and experience.) Part-time, conscripted and volunteer seamen just couldn't do it, gentlemen or otherwise. They could run the guns, fetch the powder, and hang onto this bit of rope when necessary, but there needed to be a core of experienced, professional, paid hands directing traffic.
"He took me aside, and asked me what the world spoke of the King’s marriage. Which I answering as one that knew nothing, he enquired no further of me."
Pepys spoke the truth: he KNEW nothing, but had only heard rumors.
I wonder if he tagged his answer with "... and what do you hear?"
"I wonder whether today's is a reflection on Elizabeth's absence or instead a result of the household trying to keep to a "Lenten" diet and struggling to find good recipes. Sam seems to approach Lent as a (perhaps novel?) social rather than a religious obligation."
Yes, for everyone Lent was a novel experience. Lent is an Anglican/Catholic tradition. The Puritans had tried to abolish all references to pagan gods and popish rituals. As the Bible didn’t mention holidays, they reasoned, so saints’ days and feast days were nothing more than Roman inventions. “They for whom all days are holy can have no holiday,” they liked to say.
The Puritans did loosen up one Anglican tradition. Unlike the Anglicans, they allowed marriage to take place during Lent. And they sometimes observed Fast Day on Good Friday. https://newenglandhistoricalsocie…
So Pepys had Charles II directives to go on -- eat fish! -- and whatever else Mr. Milles came up with. For instance, we know the theaters were open and abstaining from riotous living wasn't being observed, so the idea of copying Jesus' desert days must have been missing from Pepys' understanding of the season.
As for Elizabeth being the cook, I think the teenage Jane Birch and sister Pall were doing their best, with Elizabeth's supervision, which was lacking today so Pepys and company suffered the results. The incentive for Jane was to be a bad cook, now that Pepys could afford this nice house and new clothes. Hopefully a real cook can be hired soon so she could become a lady's maid. Pall presumably could cook, but probably didn't want it to be her career. So in the meantime they are doing all the cooking, washing and cleaning, and I'm going to guess it was begrudgingly.
John Castell must have known some influential people. According to Trinity College, Cambridge's website: "It was much patronised by the prominent families with many leaders of the time receiving their education at Trinity. Sir Edward Coke, Lord [Chancellor Francis] Bacon and the Earl of Essex were undergraduates in the late 16th century; in the 17th century, the College supplied 6 of the translators of the Authorised Version of the [King James] Bible from among its resident Fellows, and counted among its members the poets George Herbert, John Suckling, Andrew Marvell and John Dryden. "... During the Civil War the sympathies of the College were mainly with the Royalists and the aftermath of persecutions resulted in purges that drove out more than 40 Fellows, including Thomas Comber, the first Master of any distinction since Nevile. Even in these unsettled times, the College continued to develop and several members came into residence who were to have an important effect in establishing the College as a home of scholars, scientists and mathematicians. "In the new developments in natural science in 17th century Trinity assumed a leadership that it has never lost. It was also during this time that John Ray, a Trinity Fellow, and his pupil Francis Willughby, made great strides in establishing natural history as a science. "In 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne. During the critical period of transition that followed the death of Cromwell, the College was particularly fortunate in its Heads. In those days the Master’s authority was very great but Wilkins, Ferne and Pearson, who occupied the Master’s Lodge in rapid succession during the years 1659 to 1662, were all moderate in temper, and acted with humanity and tact. The ten years of John Pearson’s Mastership were notable for the rapid rise to eminence in the University of the young Isaac Newton. Newton’s whole academic life, from 1661 to 1696, was spent at Trinity, first as an undergraduate and then as a Fellow from 1667. Isaac Barrow later succeeded Pearson as Master. It was Barrow who persuaded his friend Sir Christopher Wren to design the Wren Library (completed in 1695), the finest of the Trinity buildings. "After Barrow’s untimely death in 1677 the College gradually deteriorated, although in the next 20 years Newton was doing his greatest work. The number of students declined and discipline grew lax. This was due partly to the lowering of standards used to elect new Fellows and partly the result of the poor leadership qualities of the succession of Masters after Barrow ending with John Montagu." https://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/about/…
All of Pepys' Diary references to Dr. Milles are excerpted here: https://www.twentytrees.co.uk/His… But it gives no further information about the man.
@@@ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This is a list of fellows of the Royal Society elected in its 16th year, 1675: Sir Philip Percivale (1656–1680) Daniel Milles (1626–1689) George Savile 1st Marquess of Halifax (1633–1695) Sir Paul Whichcote, 2nd Baronet (1643–1721) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lis…
@@@ Daniel Milles (1626 - 1689) Burial: St. Olave's, Hart Street, London (30 March 1689) Profession: Clergyman, Church of England Education: St. Catharine's College, Cambridge; BA (1646), MA (1649), DD (1679) Career: Fellow of St. Catharine's; Ordained priest (1656); Rector of St. Olave, Hart Street, London (1658-1689); Rector of Wanstead, Essex (1667-1689); President of Sion College (1670-1672); expelled from the Royal Society (1685) -- Membership: Fellow Election Date: 14/01/1675 Proposers: William, Viscount Brouncker Council: 1675-1676. https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/epsilo…
@@@
Slim pickings for such a well-documented time. I'd like to know more about his Royal Society problem as Dr. Milles didn't die for another 4 years. And how did he meet his wife, Elizabeth, who was a Brampton girl? Brampton wouldn't be considered close to Cambridge in his college days; maybe as a Fellow someone introduced them?
On March 10, 1660 Pepys records, "Dined at home on a poor Lenten dinner of coleworts and bacon." This set off a heated discussion about what was and wasn't 17th century Lenten food. It starts at https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
We have an encyclopedia page about Plants and Vegetables, and the ways of cooking potatoes in Pepys' time (even if he personally didn't eat them) is at https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Sir Walter Raleigh's wiki entry says "Raleigh is credited with bringing potatoes back to England and Ireland.[11] Potatoes would later play a big role in Irish farming and culture." 11 -- "Sir Walter Raleigh | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
So I checked that reference: "Discouraged, they [Roanoke colonists] returned to England in 1586 with a fleet under the command of Francis Drake. They brought back two crops that had never before been seen in England: potatoes and tobacco." Whoever wrote the Wiki entry didn't read his own citation!
To my dismay I find elsewhere that the story about Raleigh (or Drake) bringing back potatoes from South America to Britain is a myth. The British reluctantly adopted them from the Spanish, who had brought them back from South America. Giving Sir Walter the credit was a way of making them more acceptible at least a century later. Closer to our time, I remember Raleigh cigarettes. There are few new marketing tricks: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Our wiki entry says "Raleigh is credited with bringing potatoes back to England and Ireland.[11] Potatoes would later play a big role in Irish farming and culture." 11 -- "Sir Walter Raleigh | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
So I checked that reference: "Discouraged, they [Roanoke colonists] returned to England in 1586 with a fleet under the command of Francis Drake. They brought back two crops that had never before been seen in England: potatoes and tobacco." Whoever wrote the Wiki entry didn't read his own citation!
To my dismay I find elsewhere that the story about Raleigh bringing back potatoes from South America to Britain is a myth. The British reluctantly adopted them from the Spanish, who had brought them back from South America. Giving Sir Walter the credit was a way of making them more acceptible at least a century later; closer to our time, I remember Raleigh cigarettes. There are few new marketing tricks: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
I was taught in my Sussex school that Sir Walter Raleigh brought potatoes back with him from South America during the reign of good Queen Bess. When I lived in Devon, the story went that the first field of potatoes was planted on the Raleigh/Gilbert estate on the banks of the River Dart.
Now for the upsetting truth: The most likely theory for the introduction of potato to Britain is that they arrived from Spain. William Coles wrote in London in 1657 about “the potatoes which we call Spanish because they were first brought up to us out of Spain, grew originally in the Indies…”
In 1727 it was thought the potato came from Spain (and there were people who rejected that). The Anglo-Irish botanist Caleb Threlkeld wrote: “Those who would give to the Spaniards the honour of entrencing (sic) this useful root called the potato, give me leave to call designing parricides, who stirred up the mislead zeal of the people of this kingdom to cast off the English government which is the greatest mercy they ever enjoyed… To ascribe the honour of the English industry to the effeminate Spaniards cannot be passed over without remark… and if I might advise the inhabitants, they should every meal they eat of this root be thankful to the Creator for English navigation.” And "every meal they eat of this root be thankful to the Creator for English navigation".
A wonderful rant! But perhaps he protests too strongly? Nowhere does Threlkeld mention Raleigh. Surely if the Raleigh myth was in play in 1727, he would have said so? This suggests Raleigh's name was introduced later to support this argument.
The Spanish theory is supported by Irish oral tradition. Seán O Neachtain wrote the poem "Cáth Bearna Chroise Brighde" (The Battle of the Gap of St. Bridget’s Cross) in 1750 which supports the Spanish theory. The poem is a lengthy account of a fictional battle, which takes place near Tallaght in Co. Dublin (the poem is 218 short verses). O'Neachtain refers to the potato as "An Spaineach Geal" - the kind-hearted Spaniard and refers to its supporters as "the friends of the Spaniards". At the beginning the poet mourns the loss of "my dear Spaniard" saying his death will be "death for the gaels, woe to them all".
There were cultural references to the Spanish introduction in 18th Century Ireland. Brewer (1826) links Raleigh to the introduction and says it happened in 1588 when he was Mayor of Youghal.
The Raleigh myth is an endearing one and there is little doubt that the southwest of Ireland is a location were potato cultivation was understood and practiced at an early stage, perhaps because of the mild climate. It is possible that Raleigh's name was used as a way for those wanting to give the vegetable a more British image in light of its connections to Spain.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 8.3.1661 (Friday 8 March 1661) document 70012965 8: My wife and I went to return our dear Harlakenden to Colne. gods providence good in the journey, god give her peace in her habitation, a wise heart to pursue it. we had both sweet rest at night. praises to god.
Lady Harlakenden has returned to the manor. She was a devout Puritan, and had fled after the Restoration to somewhere she considered safer. This is a vote of confidence that Charles II and his administration won't go crazy in vengance.
"Mr. Mount, my Lady Duchess’s gentleman usher, stood waiting at table, whom I ever thought a man so much above me in all respects."
Why xjy think this is snobbery is beyond me. I think it shows Pepys' discomfort -- which a glass of wine quickly took care of, but he thought about afterwards when writing his Diary.
It sounds as if in the past Peter Llewellyn had introduced Jeremiah Mount to Pepys as mentor; later Llewellyn and Mount became friends and equals. A year ago Pepys would probably have been taking off his hat to Mount, and asking his opinion. Now Mount is serving him.
When I first left school I went to Hotel and Catering school, but quickly changed majors when I realized how much I hated the heat in the kitchen, and enjoyed parties. From then on my mother was very embarrassed by how many waiters, cashiers and sommeliers were happy to greet me by name -- and I knew who they were too; this went on for years, but as we all rose through the ranks, this familarity became much more useful.
American English is rooted in an older version of British English. We still have people in Appalachia speaking a dialect founded on Elizabethan English. Their religious background comes from then as well, hence some sects' fascination with snakes. There is also probably more dog- and cock-fighting here for the same reason. The USA is a big place (Europe is approximately 10,180,000 sq km, while United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km); some regions found it easier to evolve than others. The internet, TV and inter-state highways have done much to cement some common standards, but people cherish their regional cultural identities.
I therefore think Pepys did indeed "set" today, and we will all enjoy ourselves more if we leave the 21st century blue pencils out of our debates. However, what he meant by "homely" is worthy of discussion, and I lean towards the modern American meaning over the modern British for the above reason.
Comments
Third Reading
About Col. Edward King
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 3
After urging the House ‘to remove all scandalous ministers, but not to press the 39 Articles’, Col. Edward King MP took the chair in the committee for settling ecclesiastical livings. There appears to have been a small Anglican majority on this committee, but by adroit use of his powers he was able to ensure that only constant refusal of the sacraments should be deemed a disqualification.
On 4 Aug. 1660, Col. Edward King reported a bill to set up a disbandment commission.
He was teller against the Lords’ amendment to the disablement clause of the indemnity bill, and helped to manage a conference; but when it was objected that the Commons were obliged in honour to defend the lives of those regicides who had come in on the proclamation, he declared unanswerably that ‘God had infatuated them to bring them to justice’.
On 16 Aug. he carried an order to the Lords appointing a new treasurer for the maimed soldiers in Ely House and the Savoy.
But for most of the month his prime concern was the ecclesiastical livings bill; he reported it on 14 Aug., and after long debate warded off a renewed Anglican attempt on the floor of the House to prevent denial of the sacrament to those who were not scandalous or ignorant.
He brought in a bill for a temporary restraint on ecclesiastical leases, and opposed an inquiry into presentations to crown livings.
On the last day of August the main bill was ordered to be engrossed, and Col. Edward King MP was among those entrusted with directing the clerk of the Commons over any difficulties that might arise in the process, and with managing a conference.
On 6 Sept. 1660, Col. King obtained an order from the House empowering the disbandment commissioners to obtain assistance from the civil authorities, and was nominated to the commission. He was among those ordered to amend the instructions so that the garrisons should be disbanded last, and helped to manage a conference.
During the recess Wharton sent Col. King a copy of the case for modified episcopacy, with objections and answers, but he took no part in the debate.
On most other matters in the second session, Col. King acted with the Opposition.
He moved for an inquiry into the present state of the revenue before any additional supply, and on 3 Dec. he was ordered with Nicholas Pedley and John Glyn to take care of an inquiry into obstructions in levying the poll-tax. If London obtained an Act to impose a rate for expenditure on Charles II’s reception, he argued, ‘they must do the same favour to every city and county that desired it’, and he acted as teller against the bill.
He complained of the arbitrary power of the lords lieutenant, and seconded Andrew Marvell MP in denouncing the fees of £150 extorted from John Milton by the serjeant-at-arms.
About Col. Edward King
San Diego Sarah • Link
PART 2
After the Restoration, Col. King MP was among those ordered to draft clauses of exception to the indemnity bill and to administer the oaths of allegiance and supremacy to his fellow-Members.
On 8 June, 1660, he was appointed to the committees to prepare a proviso about those regicides who had obeyed the proclamation to give themselves up and to establish the names of those who had sat in judgment on King Charles without signing the death sentence.
He was teller against allowing a full pardon to William Lenthall and Sir William Roberts, and for the soldiers William Sydenham, William Boteler and Richard Creed.
He favoured excepting all members of the high court of justice, and spoke against reading a petition from Oliver St.John
He favoured referring the petition from the intruded dons at Oxford and the unauthorized issue of Anglican publications to special committees, on both of which he served.
As chairman of the committee for the impropriate rectories surrendered by Royalists as part of their compositions, he desired to prevent their immediate return, and was empowered to take over their management from the trustees for the maintenance of ministers
He was named to the committees to consider the surest and speediest way to satisfy Gen. Monck’s claim on the revenue, and to recommend an establishment for Dunkirk.
Col. Edward King MP opposed requiring the beneficiaries of the indemnity bill to go through the expensive process of suing out a pardon under the great seal, but he supported a wide measure of political disablement: ‘’Twas not prudence to set up those in power that now lie under our feet, nor that any in the House that are guilty of such crimes should plead their own causes’.
His speeches are not normally remarkable for colourful expressions, but on the proposal to compel Protectorate officials to refund their salaries he observed succinctly that ‘’twas fit such sponges should be squeezed’, and he acted as teller for the proviso
He was among those ordered to prepare reasons for a conference on 3 orders issued by the Upper House and to consider two provisos to the indemnity bill on 7 July.
Four days later he reported that John Hutchinson MP should be compelled to refund the rewards granted to him by the Long Parliament at the expense of the Newark Royalists, and the proviso was added to the bill.
He urged that religious doctrine and ecclesiastical discipline should be discussed separately, saying that ‘no man could tell what the discipline according to law was’, and he supported Prynne’s motion that the grand committee on religion should not meet again until further orders.
On 21 July he introduced a petition from divers ministers in sequestrated livings, for which he obtained a reading only by a narrow majority.
His speech of 27 July suggests that his honeymoon with Charles II was nearing its end: ‘though he could not but admire his Majesty’s goodness, yet he desired to hasten the bill of indemnity’.
About Col. Edward King
San Diego Sarah • Link
Edward King’s grandfather, a Londoner of Suffolk origin, bought a home in Ashby de la Launde, Lincolnshire, in 1580.
His father avoided commitment in the Civil Wars, but Edward King (1606-1681) fought for the Parliamentary side.
He took part in the first attack on Newark, and was indicted for treason at the Lincolnshire assizes in 1643.
Although a rigid Presbyterian, Col. King quarrelled with Lord Willoughby of Parham, and was regarded with suspicion by Oliver Cromwell, so in 1645 his commissions were cancelled at the request of the county committee.
Later in 1645 Col. Edward King stood unsuccessfully for Grimsby against Sir William Wray, and he became recorder of the borough in succession to a Royalist.
In 1647, Col. King was in trouble for obstructing the collection of taxes; he held no further county office until the eve of the Restoration, and in 1659 Gervase Holles MP included him among the Lincolnshire Royalists.
Col. Edward King was returned for Grimsby on his corporation interest at the general election of 1660, and became one of the most active Members of the Convention Parliament, with special interest in the indemnity proceedings, the religious settlement, and the disbandment of the army. He was named to 83 committees, in 8 of which he took the chair, acted as teller in 24 divisions, and made 45 recorded speeches.
‘Factious and fanatical enough’, he was marked by Lord Wharton as a friend, but won over to the Court a few days before the opening of Parliament by a leading London Royalist, who was soon able to report with satisfaction that ‘none act more vigorously for the King in the House than Prynne and King’, who were ‘resolved to drive on as fast as possible’.
On 26 Apr. 1660, Col. Edward King MP proposed, in barely veiled language, that they should render unto Caesar the things that were Caesar’s, ‘which was acclaimed as a good motion’, although not by George Monck, who told King that ‘he could not promise to keep the people quiet if such motions were made’.
On Mordaunt’s advice, Col. King moved on the following day ‘the stopping all private business till the public was settled, and to adjourn for a day or two’. He was seconded by Heneage Finch MP, anxious to secure time for the Declaration of Breda to arrive before the elections committee could question the return of Cavaliers and their sons, contrary to the Long Parliament ordinance.
On 15 May, Col. Edward King MP was named to the committees to examine John Thurloe, and to consider the indemnity bill.
As chairman of the committee to prepare measures against recusants he reported a proclamation against Jesuits and seminary priests and carried it to the Lords on 29 May.
About Collation
San Diego Sarah • Link
"COLLATION was a light meal served cold with an emphasis on sweets. In the 16th century it was part of the French court. Themes often centered around classical mythology or allegories. In 1571 at a feast honoring Elizabeth of Austria, the new bride of Charles IX, the dinner was followed by dancing. After dancing a collation was served with preserves, sweet biscuits, fruits, marzipan, sugar paste formed into meats and fish, with six large sugar sculptures of Minerva bringing peace to Athens."
This quote is taken from 'Some Sweet Terms' by Elise Fleming.
About Tuesday 12 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... they have cast me at midshipman’s pay, which do make my heart very glad."
I think Pepys is happy about being rated at the midshipman's pay scale -- he's been looking for some extra money with which to celebrate the Coronation for a couple of weeks now:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
It does seem like double-dipping to me.
As for having to be a gentleman first, Alter Kacker, everything has always been easier if you are a gentleman. I think a young lad at this time would need a Navy Captain as a sponsor, and being the child of a gentleman would make such introductions easier to come by.
This wasn't so true in the merchant navy (often referred to as "tars" if they were of the Republican persuasion, which most of them were): boys would be taken into the family business.
The Navy used to appropriate merchant ships when it came time to fight -- I presume at least some of the crew went with the ship, to represent the owner's interests? And if you were Vice Adm. John Lawson, you stayed in the Navy and didn't return to the exciting life of running coal from Newcastle to London.
Pepys and others will make changes in how Naval officers are employed after the Diary. Paying people to be professionals, even when they are not at sea, is becoming essential as the weapons and ships become more complicated, and required experienced personnel. (Actually, the rigging and the ships did not change that much, but the techniques of how to sail them better did develop, and it took years to acquire any depth of knowledge, competence and experience.) Part-time, conscripted and volunteer seamen just couldn't do it, gentlemen or otherwise. They could run the guns, fetch the powder, and hang onto this bit of rope when necessary, but there needed to be a core of experienced, professional, paid hands directing traffic.
About Monday 11 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Still?"
One of the first thing the Cavalier Parliament did was repeal all the laws passed during the Interregnum.
About Saturday 9 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
"He took me aside, and asked me what the world spoke of the King’s marriage. Which I answering as one that knew nothing, he enquired no further of me."
Pepys spoke the truth: he KNEW nothing, but had only heard rumors.
I wonder if he tagged his answer with "... and what do you hear?"
About Monday 11 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
"I wonder whether today's is a reflection on Elizabeth's absence or instead a result of the household trying to keep to a "Lenten" diet and struggling to find good recipes. Sam seems to approach Lent as a (perhaps novel?) social rather than a religious obligation."
Yes, for everyone Lent was a novel experience. Lent is an Anglican/Catholic tradition. The Puritans had tried to abolish all references to pagan gods and popish rituals. As the Bible didn’t mention holidays, they reasoned, so saints’ days and feast days were nothing more than Roman inventions. “They for whom all days are holy can have no holiday,” they liked to say.
The Puritans did loosen up one Anglican tradition. Unlike the Anglicans, they allowed marriage to take place during Lent. And they sometimes observed Fast Day on Good Friday.
https://newenglandhistoricalsocie…
So Pepys had Charles II directives to go on -- eat fish! -- and whatever else Mr. Milles came up with. For instance, we know the theaters were open and abstaining from riotous living wasn't being observed, so the idea of copying Jesus' desert days must have been missing from Pepys' understanding of the season.
As for Elizabeth being the cook, I think the teenage Jane Birch and sister Pall were doing their best, with Elizabeth's supervision, which was lacking today so Pepys and company suffered the results.
The incentive for Jane was to be a bad cook, now that Pepys could afford this nice house and new clothes. Hopefully a real cook can be hired soon so she could become a lady's maid.
Pall presumably could cook, but probably didn't want it to be her career. So in the meantime they are doing all the cooking, washing and cleaning, and I'm going to guess it was begrudgingly.
About Trinity College, Cambridge
San Diego Sarah • Link
Information about Trinity, Cambridge during the 17th century at
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
Its graduates and faculty made a big contribution to the founding and growth of the Royal Society.
About John Castell
San Diego Sarah • Link
John Castell must have known some influential people. According to Trinity College, Cambridge's website:
"It was much patronised by the prominent families with many leaders of the time receiving their education at Trinity. Sir Edward Coke, Lord [Chancellor Francis] Bacon and the Earl of Essex were undergraduates in the late 16th century; in the 17th century, the College supplied 6 of the translators of the Authorised Version of the [King James] Bible from among its resident Fellows, and counted among its members the poets George Herbert, John Suckling, Andrew Marvell and John Dryden.
"... During the Civil War the sympathies of the College were mainly with the Royalists and the aftermath of persecutions resulted in purges that drove out more than 40 Fellows, including Thomas Comber, the first Master of any distinction since Nevile. Even in these unsettled times, the College continued to develop and several members came into residence who were to have an important effect in establishing the College as a home of scholars, scientists and mathematicians.
"In the new developments in natural science in 17th century Trinity assumed a leadership that it has never lost. It was also during this time that John Ray, a Trinity Fellow, and his pupil Francis Willughby, made great strides in establishing natural history as a science.
"In 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne. During the critical period of transition that followed the death of Cromwell, the College was particularly fortunate in its Heads. In those days the Master’s authority was very great but Wilkins, Ferne and Pearson, who occupied the Master’s Lodge in rapid succession during the years 1659 to 1662, were all moderate in temper, and acted with humanity and tact. The ten years of John Pearson’s Mastership were notable for the rapid rise to eminence in the University of the young Isaac Newton. Newton’s whole academic life, from 1661 to 1696, was spent at Trinity, first as an undergraduate and then as a Fellow from 1667. Isaac Barrow later succeeded Pearson as Master. It was Barrow who persuaded his friend Sir Christopher Wren to design the Wren Library (completed in 1695), the finest of the Trinity buildings.
"After Barrow’s untimely death in 1677 the College gradually deteriorated, although in the next 20 years Newton was doing his greatest work. The number of students declined and discipline grew lax. This was due partly to the lowering of standards used to elect new Fellows and partly the result of the poor leadership qualities of the succession of Masters after Barrow ending with John Montagu."
https://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/about/…
About Daniel Milles
San Diego Sarah • Link
All of Pepys' Diary references to Dr. Milles are excerpted here:
https://www.twentytrees.co.uk/His…
But it gives no further information about the man.
@@@
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of fellows of the Royal Society elected in its 16th year, 1675:
Sir Philip Percivale (1656–1680)
Daniel Milles (1626–1689)
George Savile 1st Marquess of Halifax (1633–1695)
Sir Paul Whichcote, 2nd Baronet (1643–1721)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lis…
@@@
Daniel Milles (1626 - 1689)
Burial: St. Olave's, Hart Street, London (30 March 1689)
Profession: Clergyman, Church of England
Education: St. Catharine's College, Cambridge; BA (1646), MA (1649), DD (1679)
Career: Fellow of St. Catharine's;
Ordained priest (1656);
Rector of St. Olave, Hart Street, London (1658-1689);
Rector of Wanstead, Essex (1667-1689);
President of Sion College (1670-1672);
expelled from the Royal Society (1685) -- Membership: Fellow Election Date: 14/01/1675 Proposers: William, Viscount Brouncker Council: 1675-1676.
https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/epsilo…
@@@
Slim pickings for such a well-documented time. I'd like to know more about his Royal Society problem as Dr. Milles didn't die for another 4 years.
And how did he meet his wife, Elizabeth, who was a Brampton girl? Brampton wouldn't be considered close to Cambridge in his college days; maybe as a Fellow someone introduced them?
About Sunday 10 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
John Taylor, the Water Poet to King Charles I, left us a poem about Lenten food:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Lent
San Diego Sarah • Link
On March 10, 1660 Pepys records, "Dined at home on a poor Lenten dinner of coleworts and bacon." This set off a heated discussion about what was and wasn't 17th century Lenten food. It starts at https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Sunday 10 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
We have an encyclopedia page about Plants and Vegetables, and the ways of cooking potatoes in Pepys' time (even if he personally didn't eat them) is at
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About About fruit and vegetables
San Diego Sarah • Link
Sir Walter Raleigh's wiki entry says "Raleigh is credited with bringing potatoes back to England and Ireland.[11] Potatoes would later play a big role in Irish farming and culture."
11 -- "Sir Walter Raleigh | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
So I checked that reference: "Discouraged, they [Roanoke colonists] returned to England in 1586 with a fleet under the command of Francis Drake. They brought back two crops that had never before been seen in England: potatoes and tobacco." Whoever wrote the Wiki entry didn't read his own citation!
To my dismay I find elsewhere that the story about Raleigh (or Drake) bringing back potatoes from South America to Britain is a myth. The British reluctantly adopted them from the Spanish, who had brought them back from South America. Giving Sir Walter the credit was a way of making them more acceptible at least a century later. Closer to our time, I remember Raleigh cigarettes. There are few new marketing tricks:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Walter Raleigh
San Diego Sarah • Link
Our wiki entry says "Raleigh is credited with bringing potatoes back to England and Ireland.[11] Potatoes would later play a big role in Irish farming and culture."
11 -- "Sir Walter Raleigh | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
So I checked that reference: "Discouraged, they [Roanoke colonists] returned to England in 1586 with a fleet under the command of Francis Drake. They brought back two crops that had never before been seen in England: potatoes and tobacco." Whoever wrote the Wiki entry didn't read his own citation!
To my dismay I find elsewhere that the story about Raleigh bringing back potatoes from South America to Britain is a myth. The British reluctantly adopted them from the Spanish, who had brought them back from South America. Giving Sir Walter the credit was a way of making them more acceptible at least a century later; closer to our time, I remember Raleigh cigarettes. There are few new marketing tricks:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Sunday 10 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
MartinVT, you have just upset a lot of Brits.
I was taught in my Sussex school that Sir Walter Raleigh brought potatoes back with him from South America during the reign of good Queen Bess. When I lived in Devon, the story went that the first field of potatoes was planted on the Raleigh/Gilbert estate on the banks of the River Dart.
Now for the upsetting truth:
The most likely theory for the introduction of potato to Britain is that they arrived from Spain. William Coles wrote in London in 1657 about “the potatoes which we call Spanish because they were first brought up to us out of Spain, grew originally in the Indies…”
In 1727 it was thought the potato came from Spain (and there were people who rejected that). The Anglo-Irish botanist Caleb Threlkeld wrote: “Those who would give to the Spaniards the honour of entrencing (sic) this useful root called the potato, give me leave to call designing parricides, who stirred up the mislead zeal of the people of this kingdom to cast off the English government which is the greatest mercy they ever enjoyed… To ascribe the honour of the English industry to the effeminate Spaniards cannot be passed over without remark… and if I might advise the inhabitants, they should every meal they eat of this root be thankful to the Creator for English navigation.”
And "every meal they eat of this root be thankful to the Creator for English navigation".
A wonderful rant! But perhaps he protests too strongly? Nowhere does Threlkeld mention Raleigh. Surely if the Raleigh myth was in play in 1727, he would have said so? This suggests Raleigh's name was introduced later to support this argument.
The Spanish theory is supported by Irish oral tradition. Seán O Neachtain wrote the poem "Cáth Bearna Chroise Brighde" (The Battle of the Gap of St. Bridget’s Cross) in 1750 which supports the Spanish theory.
The poem is a lengthy account of a fictional battle, which takes place near Tallaght in Co. Dublin (the poem is 218 short verses). O'Neachtain refers to the potato as "An Spaineach Geal" - the kind-hearted Spaniard and refers to its supporters as "the friends of the Spaniards". At the beginning the poet mourns the loss of "my dear Spaniard" saying his death will be "death for the gaels, woe to them all".
There were cultural references to the Spanish introduction in 18th Century Ireland. Brewer (1826) links Raleigh to the introduction and says it happened in 1588 when he was Mayor of Youghal.
The Raleigh myth is an endearing one and there is little doubt that the southwest of Ireland is a location were potato cultivation was understood and practiced at an early stage, perhaps because of the mild climate. It is possible that Raleigh's name was used as a way for those wanting to give the vegetable a more British image in light of its connections to Spain.
http://www.communicatescience.eu/…
I was lied to! Miss Saville, how could you?
About Friday 8 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
8.3.1661 (Friday 8 March 1661)
document 70012965
8: My wife and I went to return our dear Harlakenden to Colne. gods providence good in the journey, god give her peace in her habitation, a wise heart to pursue it. we had both sweet rest at night. praises to god.
Lady Harlakenden has returned to the manor. She was a devout Puritan, and had fled after the Restoration to somewhere she considered safer. This is a vote of confidence that Charles II and his administration won't go crazy in vengance.
About Friday 8 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Mr. Mount, my Lady Duchess’s gentleman usher, stood waiting at table, whom I ever thought a man so much above me in all respects."
Why xjy think this is snobbery is beyond me. I think it shows Pepys' discomfort -- which a glass of wine quickly took care of, but he thought about afterwards when writing his Diary.
It sounds as if in the past Peter Llewellyn had introduced Jeremiah Mount to Pepys as mentor; later Llewellyn and Mount became friends and equals. A year ago Pepys would probably have been taking off his hat to Mount, and asking his opinion. Now Mount is serving him.
When I first left school I went to Hotel and Catering school, but quickly changed majors when I realized how much I hated the heat in the kitchen, and enjoyed parties. From then on my mother was very embarrassed by how many waiters, cashiers and sommeliers were happy to greet me by name -- and I knew who they were too; this went on for years, but as we all rose through the ranks, this familarity became much more useful.
About Friday 8 March 1660/61
San Diego Sarah • Link
American English is rooted in an older version of British English. We still have people in Appalachia speaking a dialect founded on Elizabethan English. Their religious background comes from then as well, hence some sects' fascination with snakes. There is also probably more dog- and cock-fighting here for the same reason.
The USA is a big place (Europe is approximately 10,180,000 sq km, while United States is approximately 9,833,517 sq km); some regions found it easier to evolve than others. The internet, TV and inter-state highways have done much to cement some common standards, but people cherish their regional cultural identities.
I therefore think Pepys did indeed "set" today, and we will all enjoy ourselves more if we leave the 21st century blue pencils out of our debates.
However, what he meant by "homely" is worthy of discussion, and I lean towards the modern American meaning over the modern British for the above reason.