A revealing new biography by historian Guy de la Bédoyère uncovers the scandalous double life of Samuel Pepys, the celebrated 17th-century diarist. While Pepys' journals provide an invaluable record of Restoration London, they also expose his disturbing sexual obsessions and alleged assaults.
The Man Behind the Diary
Samuel Pepys is best known for his detailed accounts of life in 1660s London, including the Great Fire and the plague. However, his private writings also document his relentless pursuit of women—often through coercion or outright force.
A Pattern of Abuse
De la Bédoyère's research highlights multiple instances where Pepys describes assaulting maids, groping women in carriages, and even attempting to rape his own sister-in-law. His behaviour fits modern definitions of sex addiction and serial predation.
Historical Reckoning
The biography forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions: Can we separate Pepys' literary legacy from his crimes? Should his statue at Magdalene College remain unchallenged? De la Bédoyère argues for a nuanced view that acknowledges both his contributions and his brutality.
London's Dark Underbelly
Pepys' confessions also reveal the permissive sexual culture of Restoration London, where elite men faced few consequences for assault. The diaries serve as both historical treasure and disturbing testament to unchecked male privilege.
