Pepys’ Diary

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 521, 2 August 1932, Page 6

Pepys’ Diary

September 7th, 1666. This day our Merchants first met at Gresham College, which, by proclamation, is to be their Exchange. Strange to hear what is bid for houses all up and down here, a friend of Sir W. Rider's having £l5O for what he used to let for £4O per annum. Much dispute where the Customehouse shall be; thereby- the growth of the City again to be foreseen. I home late to Sir W. Pen’s, who did give me a bed, but without curtains or hangings, all being down. So here I went the first time into a naked bed, only- my- drawers on, and did sleep prettywell; but still, both sleeping and waking had a fear of fire in my heart, that I took little rest. September Sth, 1666. To St James, where we met first at Sir W. Coventry’s chamber, and there did what business we can without any- books. Our discourse, as every- thing else, was confused. Thence with Sir W. Batten to the Cock-pit, whither the Duke of Albemarle is come. It seems the King holds him so necessary at this time that he hath sent for him, and will keep him here. We to him; he is courted in appearance by every- body-. lie is very- kind to us; I perceive he lay-s by all business of the fleete at present and minds the City-, and is now hastening to Gresham College to discourse with the Aldermen.