Episodes
| Series | Episode | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20110815 | 20140811 (BBC7) | Kris Marshall plays Samuel Pepys, and Katherine Jakeways his wife, in this new dramatisation of the famous diaries by Hattie Naylor. On a freezing day in January 1660, a 26 year old man decides to start keeping a diary. It's two years since he had a life-threatening operation to remove a bladder stone and he's feeling pretty well - despite there being quite a lot to worry about. He's behind with his rent, he goes out too often, and drinks too much. He lies awake worrying about work, and despite being happily married, can't keep his hands off other women. For the next ten years, in his secret diary, Samuel Pepys faithfully records the day's events, and confesses his innermost thoughts. He gives us eyewitness accounts of some of the great events of the 17th century but he also tells us what people ate, wore, what they did for fun, the tricks they played on each other, what they expected of marriage, and of love affairs. Over three hundred and fifty years may have passed since Pepys first put pen to paper but the man and his preoccupations feel surprisingly familiar. The world of Samuel Pepys, his wife, his rivals, his lovers and his friends are vividly brought to life in Hattie Naylor's new adaptation. Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Jane, the maid - Rebecca Newman Edward Montagu - Blake Ritson Landlord - Dick Bradnum John Pepys - Stephen Marzella Mrs Hunt - Manon Edwards Mr Hunt - Brendan Charleson Balty - Matthew Gravelle Soldier - John Biddle Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Kris Marshall stars in Hattie Naylor's adaptation of Samuel Pepys diaries. | |
| 01 | 20120716 | 20140908 (BBC7) | It's 1664 and Sam starts the year with a family visit to a coffee house. As time progresses, however, his trips around London have a more salacious purpose, as his thoughts turn increasingly towards the ladies in his life. The neighbourhood, meanwhile, suffers some serious crimes: a local criminal mastermind is caught and hanged. Sam goes to the hanging, and balances on a cartwheel to get a good view - but is sorry to see it. Sam hears of a rape which is hushed up because the perpetrators are attendants to the Queen Mother. Then other news arrives - that Sam's brother Tom has been taken seriously ill. Cast: Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall, Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways, Uncle Wight - Ewan Bailey, Aunty Wight - Manon Edwards, Will - John Biddle, Bessie - Sarah Ovens, Colonel Turner - Matthew Gravelle, Tom Pepys - Gareth Pierce. It's 1664, and Sam's thoughts turn increasingly towards the ladies in his life. | |
| 01 | 20130805 | 20140929 (BBC7) | Kris Marshall and Katherine Jakeways return as Samuel and Elizabeth Pepys in Hattie Naylor's continuing dramatisation of the famous diaries. 1667. On New Year's Day, Samuel and Elizabeth Pepys awake to find the Thames covered in ice, while at the same time some parts of London still smoulder from last year's Great Fire. At Whitehall, Lord Brouncker's clerk is accused of taking bribes, and there are rumours that the French will invade. Sam, meanwhile, is preoccupied with finding a husband for his sister, Pauline, and with visiting various lady friends, including Mrs Knipp, Mrs Bagwell and Mrs Lane's sister, Doll. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sam finds the Thames frozen while parts of London still smoulder from the Great Fire. | |
| 01 | 20131209 | 20141006 (BBC7) | Sam starts the year observing people gambling with dice at the Groom Porter's but doesn't venture a wager himself. Then his cousin, Anthony Joyce, asks to borrow £350 to rebuild his house after the Great Fire, but before Sam can decide, Anthony tries to take his own life by jumping in a pond. He survives initially but succumbs to a fever. Sam helps his widow by persuading the King not to take all her goods, as is the custom in the case of suicide. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sam's cousin asks to borrow \u00a3350 to rebuild his house, then jumps in a pond. | |
| 01 | 20140804 | 20141013 (BBC7) | The last series of Hattie Naylor's adaptation. It's a tense time in the Pepys household. As we know from the last nine years of his diary, Sam has often had dalliances with other women, unbeknown to his wife Elizabeth. Her ignorance of his behaviour came to an abrupt end last October when she walked in on him in a compromising position with the maid, Debs Willet. This discovery has put a huge strain on their marriage. Almost deranged by suspicion and jealousy, Elizabeth forbids Sam to leave the house unless he is accompanied at all times by their servant, Will. It's not all bad, however, as she's used Sam's guilt to make him give her a bigger clothing allowance. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Production Co-Ordinator: Willa King Sam's affair put a strain on his marriage, and now Elizabeth won't let him leave the house | |
| 02 | 20110816 | 20140812 (BBC7) | In this second episode of Hattie Naylor's new adaptation, Samuel Pepys is on a dangerous, secret mission, helping to restore King Charles to the English throne. It starts badly. On the way across the Channel to Holland Pepys' cabin windows are accidentally blown out by a gun salute, and he turns out to be a poor sailor. As he lies groaning with sea-sicknesses in his cabin, he's unimpressed by the suggested remedy of oysters. Once recovered and ashore in The Hague he's impressed by the beauty of the local women, how many languages the Dutch speak, and how neat and tidy Holland looks. On the way home, with the King safely on board, he hears the dramatic tale of Charles' escape from the Battle of Worcester, including how he hid all day in an oak tree. Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Edward Montagu - Blake Ritson Will - John Biddle Mr Banes - Matthew Gravelle Charles II - Ewan Bailey Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Pepys sails across the dangerous English Channel on a secret mission. | |
| 02 | 20120717 | 20140909 (BBC7) | Sam's younger brother, Tom, falls desperately ill but the doctors disagree about the diagnosis. Meanwhile, the maid reveals some secrets about how Tom has been living. Sam and Elizabeth have an enormous row which continues when she follows him to the office 'like a vixen with a look of rancour'. When Tom dies even more surprising secrets are revealed. Cast: Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall, Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways, Will - John Biddle, Cousin Jane - Manon Edwards, Tom Pepys - Gareth Pierce, Dr Wiverly - Matthew Gravelle, Dr Powell - Ewan Bailey, Gravedigger - Lee Mengo. Sam's younger brother Tom falls seriously ill, but the diagnosis is unclear. | |
| 02 | 20130806 | 20140930 (BBC7) | On the 23rd of February, 1667, Sam celebrates the good fortune of reaching his 34th birthday. Scandal rocks Whitehall as Lord Brouncker's Clerk is accused of taking bribes. He in turn accuses Lord Batten of the same, and Sam accepts a series of 'gifts' from Commissioner Pett. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sam celebrates his 34th birthday, but his neighbour Sir William faces charges of bribery. | |
| 02 | 20131210 | 20141007 (BBC7) | Sam buys a pornographic book in French but then burns it (after reading). At the theatre he is so enraptured by some music that it reminds him of how he felt when he first fell in love with Elizabeth. Meanwhile, he's been preparing his defence of the Navy Board to Parliament and can't sleep the night before his speech. Elizabeth comforts him in the early hours and in the morning he has a dram of brandy for courage. The speech is a triumph. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. | |
| 02 | 20140805 | 20141014 (BBC7) | Elizabeth engages a new maid but Sam is dismayed to find she is ugly with small pox scars upon her face and very large hands. Elizabeth's fury at his deceit of her has abated and the household is more peaceful now, though Sam is still unable to venture abroad without Will, their servant, as his 'guard'. Then one day in April, while working at Whitehall, he spots Debs Willet, his former maid and lover. Unable to contain his feelings, he manoeuvres Will out of the way and chases after her, finding her in the chapel below-stairs. When he goes home after this brief encounter, he hardly dares to speak to Elizabeth for fear of giving himself away. Adapted by Hattie Naylor Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Production Co-Ordinator: Willa King Sam spots Debs, his former maid and lover, and is unable to resist following her. | |
| 03 | 20110817 | 20140813 (BBC7) | In episode 3 of Hattie Naylor's adaptation, Pepys returns safely across the Channel with the King. Given the task of escorting the King's spaniel ashore, he finds it hilarious when the dog misbehaves. The King invites the sick to court, and they come in their thousands to be touched by him and 'cured'. For his part in restoring the King, Edward Montagu is knighted and made Lord Sandwich, and there's a promotion for Samuel. He 's given the job of Clerk of the Acts for the Navy Board. Samuel and Elizabeth will have their own boatman and a new house in Seething Lane. But Pepys has a rival for the job - a Mr Barlow is laying claim to the post - and it's a race against time, and bureaucracy, for Pepys to get his contract signed and sealed! Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Charles II - Ewan Bailey Edward Montagu - Blake Ritson Mr Beale - Lee Mengo Robert Holmes - Andrew Wincott Mr Payne, the boatman - Matthew Gravelle Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Pepys is given the job of escorting the King's naughty spaniel ashore. | |
| 03 | 20120718 | 20140910 (BBC7) | Sam's old jealousy returns. At home with a cold, he stops Elizabeth going to Church alone in case she sees her old dancing master, Mr Pembleton. The moment he's better, of course, he's out looking for his mistress, Mrs Lane. Elizabeth finally discovers why Sam's uncle has been so interested in her - and Sam is severely embarrassed when he walks in on Lady Sandwich using the chamber pot. Cast: Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall, Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways, Bessie - Sarah Ovens, Lady Sandwich - Bethan Walker, Edward, Lord Sandwich - Blake Ritson, Lord Clarendon - Ewan Bailey. Sam is embarrassed when he comes home and finds Lady Sandwich on the chamber pot. | |
| 03 | 20130807 | 20141001 (BBC7) | 1667. Samuel has a nightmare about his sick mother, and out of respect cancels his stone party, held every year to celebrate surviving an operation to remove a bladder stone. At work he finds the Navy office in a dismal state, with oarsmen and carpenters dying of hunger for lack of pay. He visits Jervas, the barber, to try on a new wig but doesn't buy it when he finds it's full of nits. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Samuel discovers a problem with his new wig, while the Navy Office is in a dismal state. | |
| 03 | 20131211 | 20141008 (BBC7) | Sam and Mrs Knipp visit the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Later, in the dark, in the ruins of St Dunstan, they escape a pair of robbers. Sam and Elizabeth set off for a tour of the West Country, including the hot springs at Bath but Sam doesn't think the water can be very clean, with so many bodies in it. His eyes are starting to hurt now and he begins to fear that he's losing his sight. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sam and Elizabeth visit the hot springs at Bath. Sam thinks the water isn't clean. | |
| 03 | 20140806 | 20141015 (BBC7) | Sam and Elizabeth go out in their newly varnished coach for the May Day Parade where their liveries of serge, horses' manes tied with red ribbon, and green reins attract admiring glances. Meanwhile, Sam's eyes continue to cause him pain when writing in candlelight. He tries out a new vizard with a tube fastened to it in the hope that it will ease the discomfort but to no avail. He petitions the King to allow him two or three months off from work so that he can go abroad to rest. Elizabeth surprises Sam by telling him that she intends to keep a journal of their travels. Sam has secretly been keeping a diary for nearly ten years now but at the end of May, he has to come to a very difficult decision about whether to continue. Adapted by Hattie Naylor Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Production Co-Ordinator: Willa King Sam asks the King for time off work so that he can go abroad and rest his eyes. | |
| 04 | 20110818 | 20140814 (BBC7) | In the fourth episode of Hattie Naylor's adaptation, Samuel and Elizabeth have moved into their new house in Seething Lane. The house needs some work doing so they've got the builders in. They make an enormous mess and keep sneaking off early. Sam can't stand mess; it's one of his pet hates. Now that Sam has been promoted to Clerk of the Acts for the Navy Board, he's inundated with 'gifts' from people hoping to soften him up for a favour - a jar of olives from one and some turtle doves from another. He's not surprised to find himself being offered bribes - that's what happens when you get into a position of power. There's a fashionable new drink - and Pepys goes to try it - but he isn't at all impressed and doesn't think that 'tea' will catch on. A man who supported the execution of Charles I is hanged, drawn and quartered. Sam goes to watch but finds it a very disturbing sight. Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Lord Sandwich - Blake Ritson Mr Payne /Thomas Harrison..... Matthew Gravelle Plasterer . . . . . . . . . . . Dick Bradnum Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Pepys has the builders in but they make lots of noise and mess and leave early. | |
| 04 | 20120719 | 20140911 (BBC7) | Sam's affair with Mrs Lane continues, even after he is introduced to her husband. On the way home he is tempted by the whores on Fleet Street but manages to resist. He visits Llewellyn who has a new baby and Sam's childlessness is discussed by the ladies present - they offer various remedies from lying upside down in bed and eating toast, to drinking sage juice. Cast: Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall, Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways, Mrs Lane - Eiry Thomas, Llewellyn - Matthew Gravelle, Mrs Bagwell - Bethan Walker Sam's affair with Mrs Lane continues, and he is tempted by the whores on Fleet Street. | |
| 04 | 20130808 | 20141002 (BBC7) | 1667. The Dutch have entered the Thames. Sam sends his wife and his father to the country with his gold and tells them to bury it at night - then is furious when he finds they've done it in daylight. Mrs Lane sends a letter telling Sam she's pregnant. Elizabeth complains that Sam is always out and she never sees him - he tweaks her nose during a heated argument. Peace is made with the Dutch. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. The Dutch have entered the Thames, so Sam sends his wife to hide the family gold. | |
| 04 | 20131212 | 20141009 (BBC7) | Sam writes a letter to the Duke of York laying out his suggestions for reform of the Navy Board; the Duke is delighted and signs the letter as his own. Elizabeth is upset to hear that Sam has been gadding about while she's been away but that's nothing compared to what happens when she walks in on him in the act of fondling Debs, the maid. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sam has been gadding about, then Elizabeth finds him fondling the maid. | |
| 04 | 20140807 | 20141016 (BBC7) | Elizabeth starts practising writing her travel journal but Sam disapproves of her writing things down before they happen. Sam's attempt to become a candidate for Parliament is thwarted by rumours that his biggest supporter, the Duke of York, is to convert to Catholicism. Elizabeth spies Debs Willet through the window of the glove shop and feels faint. But all is forgotten as they set off happily on their journey together to Holland and France. Adapted by Hattie Naylor Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Production Co-Ordinator: Willa King Elizabeth starts writing her travel journal, but Sam disapproves of her method. | |
| 05 | 20110819 | 20140815 (BBC7) | In the fifth episode of Hattie Naylor's adaptation, Sam and Elizabeth have still got the builders in and the mess in the house is driving Sam to distraction. As if that wasn't enough, his neighbour's cess pit overflows into the cellar of Sam's house. There's no quick solution. It takes five days before the night soil men come to clear it out. Sam comes home drunk and beats the maid, Jane, with a broom. Then the weather whips up into a gale and The Assurance sinks at Woolwich. Sam goes out on the river to see the wreckage. The year ends happily with Sam and Elizabeth getting on well, the workmen gone and the house tidy, the King restored to the throne. And so to bed! Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways Mr Blackburne - Ewan Bailey Jane, the maid - Rebecca Newman Mr Payne, boatman - Matthew Gravelle Mrs Hunt - Manon Edwards Frenchman - Ewan Bailey Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viola by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. When Mr Turner's cesspit overflows into Sam's house, Sam is not a happy man. | |
| 05 | 20120720 | 20140912 (BBC7) | Pepys and his household rise early to go and see the King launch the Royal Catherine. Sam begins another affair and his current mistress, Mrs Lane, begs for his help. The year ends badly when Sam and Elizabeth have a bitter row that ends in violence. Cast: Samuel Pepys - Kris Marshall, Elizabeth Pepys - Katherine Jakeways, Bessie - Sarah Ovens, Will - John Biddle, King Charles and his brother the Duke of York - Ewan Bailey, Mrs Bagwell - Bethan Walker, Llewellyn - Matthew Gravelle, Mrs Lane - Eiry Thomas. The Pepys household see the launch of the Royal Catherine, and the year ends with a row. | |
| 05 | 20130809 | 20141003 (BBC7) | 1667. Now that peace has been declared with the Dutch, Sam goes to the country, with his wife and father, and Will to dig up his gold at the dead of night. Unfortunately, they can't quite remember where they put it. There's a threat of an enquiry into the recent skirmish with the Dutch and Sam fears that the blame will land at his door. The year ends with mince pies and harmony in the Pepys household. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sam and the family go to recover the gold, but can't remember where it was put. | |
| 05 | 20131213 | 20141010 (BBC7) | Elizabeth is furious with Sam over his affair with the maid and refuses to wash. She's still not sure what she saw but gets Debs to confess. Elizabeth wants Debs to be thrown out and a reluctant Sam agrees. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. | |
| 05 | 20140808 | 20141017 (BBC7) | After Sam has explored the shipyards of Holland, he and Elizabeth travel to Paris where Elizabeth enjoys buying fashionable gloves and hats. The difficult past year is forgotten and they are happy in each other's company. They go to the Palais Royal to see a play but soon afterwards Elizabeth begins to feel unwell. They return home where her sickness gets worse. Doctor Hollier is called but no remedy seems to help. Sam remembers the promise he made her, and calls a Priest. The concluding episode of this long-running series, adapted from the diaries by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Production Co-Ordinator: Willa King Sam and Elizabeth are enjoying the sights of Paris, when Elizabeth is suddenly taken ill. | |
| 07 | 01 | 20130506 | 20140922 (BBC7) | Kris Marshall returns as the famous diarist. Rumours that 1666 might prove to be an unlucky year, or even herald the end of the world, are of no concern to Samuel Pepys. He's far more interested in his new friend, Mrs Knipp. Mrs Knipp is an actress and singer, and is often to be found entertaining the guests in the homes of Sam's friends. As their friendship develops, they even have nicknames for each other - she is 'Barbara Allen' and he is 'Dapper Dicky'. Elizabeth meanwhile is having much less fun. As Sam admits, she's working like a horse at decorating his closet - as well as being kept awake at night by Sam's disturbed sleep and, worst of all, his snoring! Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sound by Catherine Robinson Will 1666 be an unlucky year? Samuel is far more interested in his new friend, Mrs Knipp. |
| 07 | 02 | 20130507 | 20140923 (BBC7) | In the spring of 1666, just after his 33rd birthday, Sam notes that he's 'the happiest a man can be'. He's aware that he should be working harder and enjoying himself less, but he decides he's the right age to do it - and doesn't want to wait until he's too old to appreciate it. At home it's anything but peaceful. Sam is struggling to find a suitable husband for his sister, Pauline, who will soon be regarded as an old maid. Elizabeth and the maid argue to the point where the maid walks out and goes back to her mother. And a visit from Aunty Wight, who is tormented by fear of the plague, proves very trying. Adapted by Hattie Naylor Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sound by Catherine Robinson Sam declares he is 'the happiest a man can be'. But Elizabeth and the maid do not get on. |
| 07 | 03 | 20130508 | 20140924 (BBC7) | War with the Dutch is imminent and Sam finds a posting at sea for Elizabeth's brother, Balty. Sam's social life continues to be very busy. He has a liaison with his old mistress, Mrs Lane, and is on his way to The Swan, with Mrs Knipp and Mrs Pierce, when a man warns them that it's still shut up with the plague. But when Elizabeth innocently invites her drawing teacher, Mr Brown, to stay for dinner, Sam is furious. Adapted from the diaries by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sound by Catherine Robinson Sam is furious when Lizzie innocently invites her drawing teacher Mr Brown for dinner. |
| 07 | 04 | 20130509 | 20140925 (BBC7) | Sam goes to Greenwich Park to see if he can hear gunfire, now that Britain is at war with the Dutch. Then an injured sailor comes to tell him of the battle, and Sam takes him to tell his story to the King. People want to believe in a British victory - bonfires are lit and fireworks let off. But Sam is concerned that such celebrations are premature. He's soon proved right. Elizabeth's brother, Balty, returns from sea with a tearful tale. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sound by Catherine Robinson A sea battle should mean victory, but Sam thinks that celebrations might be premature. |
| 07 | 05 | 20130510 | 20140926 (BBC7) | Sam is worried that the Navy offices are being blamed for the battle with the Dutch going wrong. Then his house is surrounded by the wives of men who were pressed into going to sea to fight. They are desperate, swearing and shouting that they have no money. Sam is sympathetic to their plight but also worried about sending out his venison pasty to the bakers in case they do damage to it. Then one woman gets into his office and makes a moving appeal which touches his conscience. Adapted by Hattie Naylor. Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter. Sound by Catherine Robinson Sam is besieged by desperate wives whose men fought at sea for no money. |