MAN ON THE MAKE

When he began his diary, Pepys had an estate worth £25 and declared himself ‘esteemed rich, but endeed very poor’. Afraid that he might be tempted to spend too much, Pepys kept just 3d in his pocket while out drinking with his friends.

Although his financial worries were eased with his appointment to the Navy Board and a salary of £350, Pepys soon began to spend more than he earned. He was concerned ‘to look about me to get something more than just my salary, or else I may resolve to die a beggar’. Fortunately Pepys received a shower of bribes and gratuities to supplement his salary and within a couple of years was worth £1000.

Hard work and ability eventually made Pepys a rich man, with a salary of £500, a ‘mighty handsome’ home, a painted and gilded coach and £10,000 in savings.

'... upon my request, to put out some money ... into Backwells hand at 6 per cent interest, which he seldom gives – which I will consider of, being doubtful of trusting any of these great dealers because of their mortality; but then the convenience of having one’s money at an hour’s call is very great.'

12 SEPTEMBER 1664