AN HONOURABLE SERVICE

Pepys made a unique contribution to our national history through his work as a naval administrator.

Pepys’ career began modestly with his appointment in 1660 as Clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board, the body responsible for the building and repair of ships and the management of the dockyards. Pepys quickly mastered his job and was soon promoted, becoming a respected spokesman for the Board in its relations with the Admiralty and Parliament.

Pepys’ greatest professional achievements came after 1673, when Charles II appointed him Secretary to the Admiralty, a position he held for 15 years. During this period he worked tirelessly to raise funds to equip the navy and improve the professionalism of the service.

'Did business, though not much ... because of the horrible Crowd and lamentable moan of the poor seamen that lie starving in the streets for lack of money which doth trouble and perplex me to the heart.'

7 OCTOBER 1665