Samuel Pepys is a name that resonates with anyone who has an interest in history. The man was a prominent figure during the 17th century, and his diaries have been an invaluable source of information for scholars and historians around the world. However, one question that has always plagued researchers is whether or not Pepys died in the Great Fire of London.
Who was Samuel Pepys?
Before we delve into the question of his death, let’s take a moment to understand who Samuel Pepys was. He was born in London on February 23rd, 1633, and lived through some of the most tumultuous times in English history. He worked as a naval administrator and eventually became one of the most powerful men in England during King Charles II’s reign.
The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was a devastating event that occurred between September 2nd to September 6th, 1666. The fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and quickly spread throughout the city due to strong winds and dry weather conditions. The fire destroyed over 13,000 homes and buildings, including St Paul’s Cathedral.
Did Samuel Pepys die in the fire?
Now, let’s get back to our original question: did Samuel Pepys die in the Great Fire of London? There are many theories surrounding his death, but no concrete evidence exists to confirm any of them.
Some researchers believe that Pepys died trying to save his books from his home on Seething Lane. Others speculate that he perished while attempting to help put out the fire or while trying to escape from it. However, there is no record of his death during this period.
Pepys’ Account
One reason why there is so much confusion about his death is because Pepys himself did not mention anything about the fire in his diary entry for September 1666. In fact, there is a gap in his diary entries between September 1st and October 10th. It is unclear why this gap exists, but it has led some to believe that he may have died during this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are many theories surrounding Samuel Pepys’ death during the Great Fire of London, no concrete evidence exists to confirm any of them. His diaries are silent on the matter, and there is no record of his death during this period.
While it is possible that he died during the fire, we may never know for sure what happened to him. Nevertheless, his legacy lives on through his diaries and remains a valuable source of information about life in 17th century England.