London, 4 February 1667
What follows is the
occurrences and activities that I would have participated in if I lived in 17th
century London.
“Oh what fun I
have planned for today. The most glorious of days. My birthday. I am surprised
I am still alive. Because of my life I will be throwing a huge party to
celebrate. I have to get ready though for all the guests to come over. I have
not even powdered my wig yet. I must wear a wig because my hair has been a
little thin lately and I cannot risk anything. I recently got my suit back from
the tailor because I got a small tear in it but it is fine now. It is a really
fine suit. The jacket is a solid dark blue with silver buttons, it used to be
my fathers and my fathers father. I also have a magnificent wool vest and navy breeches
to go along with the jacket. I usually finish of the outfit with my white
cravat. Next to prepare for the party I apply ceruse to my face to give it that
white look. It somewhat burns but that is the price for looking great.
“ I am so excited for the food we will be having at my
party. My friend, who is an exquisite cook, is making roasted duck, chicken and
rabbit. There will be two legs of mutton, a whole side of lamb and five
lobsters. All of this food will be accompanied with the finest of whines and
beers. For dessert we will have four tarts with a mixture of tarts, including
my favorite, boysenberry. We will also have some apple and blueberry pies and
some fruit that was just picked.”
“ The party was great. And now we are all going out for one
of my favorite things. A public execution. This man was a thief and tried
stealing pastries from my favorite pastry shop. He should be ashamed. After
that my guests and me went on down to the south bank to enjoy some bear
baiting. It took a while but afterwards we went to the river to take a relaxing
boat ride. Today was a glorious day. “
“ I feel terrible. I do not know why. I decided to take my
self on down to the doctor to have myself checked out. The doctor let me blood,
it was only 14 ounces but I still felt a little off. I thought my magic hares
foot I always carry kept me healthy. I guess that didn’t work. I went to see
the wise woman that lives down the street. She was no help so I went back down to
the doctor. Turns out I have bladder stones… I had surgery, and the doctor said
it went well. It was excruciatingly painful. But I will get over it.”
 |
| Rabbits foot |
Bibliography:
Picard,
Lisa. “Sex, Lice, and Chamber Pots
in Pepys’ London.” 17 February
2011. British Broadcasting Company. http://tinyurl.com/LondonDayintheLife.
Pictography:
Victorian rabbits foot. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit%27s_foot