Biography of John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse 1614-1689

Paternal Family Tree: Belasyse

Maternal Family Tree: Katherine Roet Duchess Lancaster 1350-1403

1645 King Charles I Rewards his Supporters

1667 Poll Bill

Before 1604 [his father] Thomas Belasyse 1st Viscount Fauconberg (age 27) and [his mother] Barbara Cholmley Viscountess Faunconberg (age 28) were married. They were half fourth cousins.

On 24 Jun 1614 John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse was born to Thomas Belasyse 1st Viscount Fauconberg (age 37) and Barbara Cholmley Viscountess Faunconberg (age 39).

On 28 Feb 1619 [his mother] Barbara Cholmley Viscountess Faunconberg (age 44) died.

On 16 Aug 1624 [his grandfather] Henry Belasyse 1st Baronet (age 69) died. He was buried in St Saviour's Church, York. His son [his father] Thomas Belasyse 1st Viscount Fauconberg (age 47) succeeded 2nd Baronet Belasyse of Newborough.

Around 1634 Gilbert Jackson (age 39). Portrait of John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 19).

On 08 Mar 1637 John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 22) and Jane Boteler were married. The marriage had been clandestine for which he was fined £150 by the Court of High Commission.

Around 1639 [his son] Henry Belasyse was born to John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 24) and [his wife] Jane Boteler.

On 31 Jan 1643 [his father] Thomas Belasyse 1st Viscount Fauconberg (age 66) was created 1st Viscount Faunconberg. [his mother] Barbara Cholmley Viscountess Faunconberg by marriage Viscountess Faunconberg.

King Charles I Rewards his Supporters

On 27 Jan 1645 John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 30) was created 1st Baron Belasyse of Worlaby in Lincolnshire by King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 44). [his future wife] Anne Paulett Baroness Belasyse by marriage Baroness Belasyse of Worlaby in Lincolnshire.

On 26 Aug 1649 William Armine 2nd Baronet (age 27) and [his future wife] Anne Crane (age 18) were married.

Before 18 Nov 1650 Edward Walpole of Houghton (age 26) and [his future sister-in-law] Susan Crane (age 20) were married.

Around 1659 [his son] Henry Belasyse (age 20) and [his daughter-in-law] Susan Armine were married.

On 24 Jul 1659 John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 45) and Anne Crane (age 28) were married.

In 1661 [his son] Henry Belasyse (age 22) was created Knight of the Bath.

On 11 Aug 1662 [his wife] Anne Crane (age 31) died.

After 11 Aug 1662 John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 48) and Anne Paulett Baroness Belasyse were married. She the daughter of John Paulet 5th Marquess Winchester (age 64) and Honora Burke Marchioness Winchester (age 57).

Evelyn's Diary. 21 Jan 1663. Dined at Mr. Treasurer's, of the Household, Sir Charles Berkeley's (age 33), where were the Earl of Oxford (age 35), Lord Bellassis (age 48), Lord Gerard (age 29), Sir Andrew Scrope, Sir William Coventry (age 35), Dr. Fraser, Mr. Windham, and others.

Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. Thence walked to Westminster, and there up and down in the Hall and the Parliament House all the morning; at noon by coach to my Lord Crew's, hearing that Lord Sandwich (age 37) did dine there; where I told him what had passed between Mr. Coventry (age 35) and myself; with which he was contented, though I could perceive not very well pleased. And I do believe that my Lord do find some other things go against his mind in the House; for in the motion made the other day in the House by my Lord Bruce, that none be capable of employment but such as have been loyal and constant to the King (age 32) and Church, the General [Monk] and my Lord were mentioned to be excepted; and my Lord Bruce did come since to my Lord, to clear himself that he meant nothing to his prejudice, nor could it have any such effect if he did mean it. After discourse with my Lord; to dinner with him; there dining there my Lord Montagu of Boughton, Northamptonshire, Mr. William Montagu (age 45) his brother, the Queen's Sollicitor, &c., and a fine dinner. Their talk about a ridiculous falling-out two days ago at my Lord of Oxford's (age 36) house, at an entertainment of his, there being there my Lord of Albemarle (age 54), Lynsey (age 55), two of the Porters, my Lord Bellasses (age 48), and others, where there were high words and some blows, and pulling off of perriwiggs; till my Lord Monk (age 54) took away some of their swords, and sent for some soldiers to guard the house till the fray was ended. To such a degree of madness the nobility of this age is come!

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Oct 1664. We came back to Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire; next day to London, where we dined at the Lord Chancellor's (age 55), with my Lord Bellasis (age 50).

Pepy's Diary. 09 Jan 1665. Thence to White Hall to a Tangier Committee, where I was accosted and most highly complimented by my Lord Bellasses (age 50)1, our new governor, beyond my expectation, or measure I could imagine he would have given any man, as if I were the only person of business that he intended to rely on, and desires my correspondence with him. This I was not only surprized at, but am well pleased with, and may make good use of it. Our patent is renewed, and he and my Lord Barkeley (age 63), and Sir Thomas Ingram (age 50) put in as commissioners. Here some business happened which may bring me some profit.

Note 1. John Belasyse (age 50), second son of [his father] Thomas, first Viscount Fauconberg, created Baron Belasyse of Worlaby, January 27th, 1644, Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Governor of Hull. He was appointed Governor of Tangier, and Captain of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners. He was a Roman Catholic, and therefore was deprived of all his appointments in 1672 by the provisions of the Test Act, but in 1684 James II made him First Commissioner of the Treasury. He died 1689.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Jan 1665. Up betimes and walked to my Lord Bellasses's (age 50) lodgings in Lincolne's Inne Fieldes, and there he received and discoursed with me in the most respectfull manner that could be, telling me what a character of my judgment, and care, and love to Tangier he had received of me, that he desired my advice and my constant correspondence, which he much valued, and in my courtship, in which, though I understand his designe very well, and that it is only a piece of courtship, yet it is a comfort to me that I am become so considerable as to have him need to say that to me, which, if I did not do something in the world, would never have been. Here well satisfied I to Sir Ph. Warwicke (age 55), and there did some business with him; thence to Jervas's and there spent a little idle time with him, his wife, Jane, and a sweetheart of hers.

Pepy's Diary. 16 Jan 1665. Thence to visit my Lady Sandwich (age 40) and so to a Tangier Committee, where a great company of the new Commissioners, Lords, that in behalfe of my Lord Bellasses (age 50) are very loud and busy and call for Povy's (age 51) accounts, but it was a most sorrowful thing to see how he answered to questions so little to the purpose, but to his owne wrong. All the while I sensible how I am concerned in my bill of £100 and somewhat more. So great a trouble is fear, though in a case that at the worst will bear enquiry. My Lord Barkeley (age 63) was very violent against Povy (age 51). But my Lord Ashly (age 43), I observe, is a most clear man in matters of accounts, and most ingeniously did discourse and explain all matters. We broke up, leaving the thing to a Committee of which I am one. Povy (age 51), Creed, and I staid discoursing, I much troubled in mind seemingly for the business, but indeed only on my own behalf, though I have no great reason for it, but so painfull a thing is fear. So after considering how to order business, Povy (age 51) and I walked together as far as the New Exchange and so parted, and I by coach home.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Jan 1665. Thence to a Tangier Committee at White Hall, where I saw nothing ordered by judgment, but great heat and passion and faction now in behalf of my Lord Bellasses (age 50), and to the reproach of my Lord Tiviott, and dislike as it were of former proceedings.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Jan 1665. Thence away to boat again and landed her at the Three Cranes again, and I to the Bridge [Map], and so home, and after shifting myself, being dirty, I to the 'Change [Map], and thence to Mr. Povy's (age 51) and there dined, and thence with him and Creed to my Lord Bellasses' (age 50), and there debated a great while how to put things in order against his going, and so with my Lord in his coach to White Hall, and with him to my Lord Duke of Albemarle (age 56), finding him at cards. After a few dull words or two, I away to White Hall again, and there delivered a letter to the Duke of Yorke (age 31) about our Navy business, and thence walked up and down in the gallery, talking with Mr. Slingsby (age 44), who is a very ingenious person, about the Mint and coynage of money. Among other things, he argues that there being £700,000 coined in the Rump time, and by all the Treasurers of that time, it being their opinion that the Rump money was in all payments, one with another, about a tenth part of all their money. Then, says he, to my question, the nearest guess we can make is, that the money passing up and down in business is £7,000,000. To another question of mine he made me fully understand that the old law of prohibiting bullion to be exported, is, and ever was a folly and an injury, rather than good. Arguing thus, that if the exportations exceed importations, then the balance must be brought home in money, which, when our merchants know cannot be carried out again, they will forbear to bring home in money, but let it lie abroad for trade, or keepe in foreign banks: or if our importations exceed our exportations, then, to keepe credit, the merchants will and must find ways of carrying out money by stealth, which is a most easy thing to do, and is every where done; and therefore the law against it signifies nothing in the world. Besides, that it is seen, that where money is free, there is great plenty; where it is restrained, as here, there is a great want, as in Spayne. These and many other fine discourses I had from him.

Pepy's Diary. 31 Jan 1665. Up and with Sir W. Batten (age 64) to Westminster, where to speak at the House with my Lord Bellasses (age 50), and am cruelly vexed to see myself put upon businesses so uncertainly about getting ships for Tangier being ordered, a servile thing, almost every day.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Feb 1665. Lay long in bed, which made me, going by coach to St. James's by appointment to have attended the Duke of Yorke (age 31) and my Lord Bellasses (age 50), lose the hopes of my getting something by the hire of a ship to carry men to Tangier. But, however, according to the order of the Duke (age 31) this morning, I did go to the 'Change [Map], and there after great pains did light of a business with Mr. Gifford and Hubland [Houblon] for bringing me as much as I hoped for, which I have at large expressed in my stating the case of the "King's Fisher", which is the ship that I have hired, and got the Duke of Yorke's (age 31) agreement this afternoon after much pains and not eating a bit of bread till about 4 o'clock.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Feb 1665. Thence to my Lord Bellasses (age 50); thence to Mr. Povy's (age 51), and so up and down at that end of the town about several businesses, it being a brave frosty day and good walking.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Feb 1665. At noon being invited, I to the Sun behind the 'Change [Map], to dinner to my Lord Bellasses (age 50), where a great deal of discourse with him, and some good, among others at table he told us a very handsome passage of the King's sending him his message about holding out the town of Newarke [Map], of which he was then governor for the King (age 34). This message he sent in a sluggbullet, being writ in cypher, and wrapped up in lead and swallowed. So the messenger come to my Lord and told him he had a message from the King (age 34), but it was yet in his belly; so they did give him some physique, and out it come. This was a month before the King's flying to the Scotts; and therein he told him that at such a day, being the 3d or 6th of May, he should hear of his being come to the Scotts, being assured by the King of France (age 26) that in coming to them he should be used with all the liberty, honour, and safety, that could be desired. And at the just day he did come to the Scotts.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Feb 1665. He told us another odd passage: how the King (age 34) having newly put out Prince Rupert (age 45) of his generallshipp, upon some miscarriage at Bristoll, and Sir Richard Willis1 of his governorship of Newarke [Map], at the entreaty of the gentry of the County, and put in my Lord Bellasses (age 50), the great officers of the King's army mutinyed, and come in that manner with swords drawn, into the market-place of the towne where the King (age 34) was; which the King (age 34) hearing, says, "I must to horse". And there himself personally, when every body expected they should have been opposed, the King (age 34) come, and cried to the head of the mutineers, which was Prince Rupert (age 45), "Nephew, I command you to be gone". So the Prince, in all his fury and discontent, withdrew, and his company scattered, which they say was the greatest piece of mutiny in the world.

Note 1. Sir Richard Willis, the betrayer of the Royalists, was one of the "Sealed Knot". When the Restoration had become a certainty, he wrote to Clarendon imploring him to intercede for him with the King (age 34) (see Lister's "Life of Clarendon", vol. iii., p. 87).

Pepy's Diary. 20 Feb 1665. Thence I to the House of Lords and spoke with my Lord Bellasses (age 50), and so to the 'Change [Map], and there did business, and so to the Sun taverne, haling in the morning had some high words with Sir J. Lawson (age 50) about his sending of some bayled goods to Tangier, wherein the truth is I did not favour him, but being conscious that some of my profits may come out by some words that fell from him, and to be quiet, I have accommodated it. Here we dined merry; but my club and the rest come to 7s. 6d., which was too much.

Pepy's Diary. 18 May 1665. To the office, and dined, and then to the office again, and abroad to speak with Sir G. Carteret (age 55); but, Lord! to see how fraile a man I am, subject to my vanities, that can hardly forbear, though pressed with never so much business, my pursuing of pleasure, but home I got, and there very busy very late. Among other things consulting with Mr. Andrews about our Tangier business, wherein we are like to meet with some trouble, and my Lord Bellasses's (age 50) endeavour to supplant us, which vexes my mind; but, however, our undertaking is so honourable that we shall stand a tug for it I think.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Nov 1665. It continuing to be a great frost, which gives us hope for a perfect cure of the plague, he and I to walk in the parke, and there discoursed with grief of the calamity of the times; how the King's service is performed, and how Tangier is governed by a man (age 51), who, though honourable, yet do mind his ways of getting and little else compared, which will never make the place flourish. I brought him and had a good dinner for him, and there come by chance Captain Cuttance, who tells me how W. Howe is laid by the heels, and confined to the Royall Katharine, and his things all seized and how, also, for a quarrel, which indeed the other night my Lord told me, Captain Ferrers, having cut all over the back of another of my Lord's servants, is parted from my Lord.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Jan 1666. So my Lord and he and I much talke about the Act, what credit we find upon it, but no private talke between him and I So I to the 'Change [Map], and there met Mr. Povy (age 52), newly come to town, and he and I to Sir George Smith's (age 51) and there dined nobly. He tells me how my Lord Bellases (age 51) complains for want of money and of him and me therein, but I value it not, for I know I do all that can be done. We had no time to talk of particulars, but leave it to another day, and I away to Cornhill [Map] to expect my Lord Bruncker's (age 46) coming back again, and I staid at my stationer's house, and by and by comes my Lord, and did take me up and so to Greenwich, Kent [Map], and after sitting with them a while at their house, home, thinking to get Mrs. Knipp, but could not, she being busy with company, but sent me a pleasant letter, writing herself "Barbary Allen".

Pepy's Diary. 19 Jan 1666. Up and ready, called on by Mr. Moone, my Lord Bellases' (age 51) secretary, who and I good friends though I have failed him in some payments.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Apr 1666. At noon dined at home and Creed with me, then parted, and I to the office, and anon called thence by Sir H. Cholmley and he and I to my chamber, and there settled our matters of accounts, and did give him tallys and money to clear him, and so he being gone and all these accounts cleared I shall be even with the King (age 35), so as to make a very clear and short account in a very few days, which pleases me very well. Here he and I discoursed a great while about Tangier, and he do convince me, as things are now ordered by my Lord Bellasses (age 51) and will be by Norwood (men that do only mind themselves), the garrison will never come to any thing, and he proposes his owne being governor, which in truth I do think will do very well, and that he will bring it to something. He gone I to my office, where to write letters late, and then home and looked over a little more my papers of accounts lately passed, and so to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 21 May 1666. At noon dined at home, and after dinner comes in my wife's brother Balty (age 26) and his wife, he being stepped ashore from the fleete for a day or two. I away in some haste to my Lord Ashly (age 44), where it is stupendous to see how favourably, and yet closely, my Lord Ashly (age 44) carries himself to Mr. Yeabsly, in his business, so as I think we shall do his business for him in very good manner. But it is a most extraordinary thing to observe, and that which I would not but have had the observation of for a great deal of money. Being done there, and much forwarded Yeabsly's business, I with Sir H. Cholmly (age 33) to my Lord Bellassis (age 51), who is lately come from Tangier to visit him, but is not within.

Pepy's Diary. 23 May 1666. Up by 5 o'clock and to my chamber settling several matters in order. So out toward White Hall, calling in my way on my Lord Bellassis (age 51), where I come to his bedside, and did give me a full and long account of his matters, how he left them at Tangier. Declares himself fully satisfied with my care: seems cunningly to argue for encreasing the number of men there. Told me the whole story of his gains by the Turky prizes, which he owns he hath got about £5000 by. Promised me the same profits Povy (age 52) was to have had; and in fine, I find him a pretty subtle man; and so I left him, and to White Hall before the Duke and did our usual business, and eased my mind of two or three things of weight that lay upon me about Lanyon's salary, which I have got to be £150 per annum.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Jun 1666. After dinner to the Excise Office by appointment, and there find my Lord Bellasses (age 51) and the Commissioners, and by and by the whole company come to dispute the business of our running so far behindhand there, and did come to a good issue in it, that is to say, to resolve upon having the debt due to us, and the Household and the Guards from the Excise stated, and so we shall come to know the worst of our condition and endeavour for some helpe from my Lord Treasurer (age 59).

Pepy's Diary. 18 Jun 1666. Thence to my Lord Bellasses (age 51), by invitation, and there dined with him, and his lady and daughter; and at dinner there played to us a young boy, lately come from France, where he had been learning a yeare or two on the viallin, and plays finely. But impartially I do not find any goodnesse in their ayres (though very good) beyond ours when played by the same hand, I observed in several of Baptiste's'1 (the present great composer) and our Bannister's. But it was pretty to see how passionately my Lord's daughter loves musique, the most that ever I saw creature in my life.

Note 1. Jean Baptiste Lulli, son of a Tuscan peasant, born 1633, died 1687. He invented the dramatic overture. "But during the first years of Charles II all musick affected by the beau mond run in the french way; and the rather because at that time the master of the court musick in France, whose name was Baptista (an Italian frenchifyed) had influenced the french style by infusing a great portion of the Italian harmony into it, whereby the ayre was exceedingly improved" (North's "Memoires of Musick", ed. Rimbault, 1846, p, 102).

Pepy's Diary. 21 Jun 1666. After dinner to Mr. Debasty's to speake with Sir Robert Viner (age 35), a fine house and a great many fine ladies. He used me mighty civilly. My business was to set the matter right about the letter of credit he did give my Lord Belassis (age 51), that I may take up the tallys lodged with Viner (age 35) for his security in the answering of my Lord's bills, which we did set right very well, and Sir Robert Viner (age 35) went home with me and did give me the £5000 tallys presently. Here at Mr. Debasty's I saw, in a gold frame, a picture of a Outer playing on his flute which, for a good while, I took for paynting, but at last observed it a piece of tapestry, and is the finest that ever I saw in my life for figures, and good natural colours, and a very fine thing it is indeed.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Jun 1666. Thence to my wife to take her up and so carried her home, and I at the office till late, and so to supper with my wife and to bed. I did this afternoon visit my Lord Bellasses (age 52), who professes all imaginable satisfaction in me. He spoke dissatisfiedly with Creed, which I was pleased well enough with. My Lord is going down to his garrison to Hull, by the King's command, to put it in order for fear of an invasion which course I perceive is taken upon the sea-coasts round; for we have a real apprehension of the King of France's (age 27) invading us.

Pepy's Diary. 02 Jul 1666. Thence home and to the Tower to see the men from Bridewell [Map] shipped. Being rid of him I home to dinner, and thence to the Excise office by appointment to meet my Lord Bellasses (age 52) and the Commissioners, which we did and soon dispatched, and so I home, and there was called by Pegg Pen (age 15) to her house, where her father (age 45) and mother (age 42), and Mrs. Norton, the second Roxalana (age 24), a fine woman, indifferent handsome, good body and hand, and good mine, and pretends to sing, but do it not excellently. However I took pleasure there, and my wife was sent for, and Creed come in to us, and so there we spent the most of the afternoon.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Jul 1666. At noon dined at home, Balty's (age 26) wife with us, and in very good humour I was and merry at dinner, and after dinner a song or two, and so I abroad to my Lord Treasurer's (age 59) (sending my sister home by the coach), while I staid there by appointment to have met my Lord Bellasses (age 52) and Commissioners of Excise, but they did not meet me, he being abroad. However Mr. Finch, one of the Commissioners, I met there, and he and I walked two houres together in the garden, talking of many things; sometimes of Mr. Povy (age 52), whose vanity, prodigality, neglect of his business, and committing it to unfit hands hath undone him and outed him of all his publique employments, and the thing set on foot by an accidental revivall of a business, wherein he had three or fours years ago, by surprize, got the Duke of Yorke (age 32) to sign to the having a sum of money paid out of the Excise, before some that was due to him, and now the money is fallen short, and the Duke never likely to be paid. This being revived hath undone Povy (age 52). Then we fell to discourse of the Parliament, and the great men there: and among others, Mr. Vaughan (age 62), whom he reports as a man of excellent judgement and learning, but most passionate and 'opiniastre'. He had done himself the most wrong (though he values it not), that is, the displeasure of the King (age 36) in his standing so long against the breaking of the Act for a trienniall parliament; but yet do believe him to be a most loyall gentleman. He told me Mr. Prin's (age 66) character; that he is a man of mighty labour and reading and memory, but the worst judge of matters, or layer together of what he hath read, in the world; which I do not, however, believe him in; that he believes him very true to the King (age 36) in his heart, but can never be reconciled to episcopacy; that the House do not lay much weight upon him, or any thing he says. He told me many fine things, and so we parted, and I home and hard to work a while at the office and then home and till midnight about settling my last month's accounts wherein I have been interrupted by public business, that I did not state them two or three days ago, but I do now to my great joy find myself worth above £5600, for which the Lord's name be praised!

Pepy's Diary. 04 Jul 1666. Thence to my Lord Bellasses (age 52) to take my leave of him, he being going down to the North to look after the Militia there, for fear of an invasion.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Aug 1666. Up betimes, and there to fit some Tangier accounts, and then, by appointment, to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), but about Paul's thought of the chant paper I should carry with me, and so fain to come back again, and did, and then met with Sir W. Pen (age 45), and with him to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), he sitting in the coach the while, while I up to my Lord and there offered him my account of the bills of exchange I had received and paid for him, wherein we agree all but one £200 bill of Vernaty's drawing, wherein I doubt he hath endeavoured to cheate my Lord; but that will soon appear.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Aug 1666. To St. James's, and there Sir W. Coventry (age 38) took Sir W. Pen (age 45) and me apart, and read to us his answer to the Generalls' letter to the King (age 36) that he read last night; wherein he is very plain, and states the matter in full defence of himself and of me with him, which he could not avoid; which is a good comfort to me, that I happen to be involved with him in the same cause. And then, speaking of the supplies which have been made to this fleete, more than ever in all kinds to any, even that wherein the Duke of Yorke (age 32) himself was, "Well", says he, "if this will not do, I will say, as Sir J. Falstaffe did to the Prince, 'Tell your father, that if he do not like this let him kill the next Piercy himself,'"1 and so we broke up, and to the Duke (age 32), and there did our usual business. So I to the Parke and there met Creed, and he and I walked to Westminster to the Exchequer, and thence to White Hall talking of Tangier matters and Vernaty's knavery, and so parted, and then I homeward and met Mr. Povy (age 52) in Cheapside, and stopped and talked a good while upon the profits of the place which my Lord Bellasses (age 52) hath made this last year, and what share we are to have of it, but of this all imperfect, and so parted, and I home, and there find Mrs. Mary Batelier, and she dined with us; and thence I took them to Islington [Map], and there eat a custard; and so back to Moorfields [Map], and shewed Batelier, with my wife, "Polichinello", which I like the more I see it; and so home with great content, she being a mighty good-natured, pretty woman, and thence I to the Victualling Office, and there with Mr. Lewes and Willson upon our Victualling matters till ten at night, and so I home and there late writing a letter to Sir W. Coventry (age 38), and so home to supper and to bed. No newes where the Dutch are. We begin to think they will steale through the Channel to meet Beaufort. We think our fleete sayled yesterday, but we have no newes of it.

Note 1. "King Henry IV"., Part I, act v., sc. 4.

Pepy's Diary. 31 Aug 1666. To bed at 2 or 3 in the morning and up again at 6 to go by appointment to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), but he out of town, which vexed me. So back and got Mr. Poynter to enter into, my book while I read from my last night's notes the letter, and that being done to writing it fair.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Oct 1666. He being ready, he and my Chancellor (age 57), and Duke of Albemarle (age 57), and Prince Rupert (age 46), Lord Bellasses (age 52), Sir H. Cholmly (age 34), Povy (age 52), and myself, met at a Committee for Tangier. My Lord Bellasses's (age 52) propositions were read and discoursed of, about reducing the garrison to less charge; and indeed I am mad in love with my Chancellor (age 57), for he do comprehend and speak out well, and with the greatest easinesse and authority that ever I saw man in my life. I did never observe how much easier a man do speak when he knows all the company to be below him, than in him; for though he spoke, indeed, excellent welt, yet his manner and freedom of doing it, as if he played with it, and was informing only all the rest of the company, was mighty pretty. He did call again and again upon Mr. Povy (age 52) for his accounts. I did think fit to make the solemn tender of my accounts that I intended. I said something that was liked, touching the want of money, and the bad credit of our tallys. My Chancellor (age 57) moved, that without any trouble to any of the rest of the Lords, I might alone attend the King (age 36), when he was with his private Council; and open the state of the garrison's want of credit; and all that could be done, should. Most things moved were referred to Committees, and so we broke up. And at the end Sir W. Coventry (age 38) come; so I away with him, and he discoursed with me something of the Parliament's business. They have voted giving the [King] for next year £1,800,000; which, were it not for his debts, were a great sum. He says, he thinks the House may say no more to us for the present, but that we must mend our manners against the next tryall, and mend them we will. But he thinks it not a fit time to be found making of trouble among ourselves, meaning about Sir J. Minnes (age 67), who most certainly must be removed, or made a Commissioner, and somebody else Comptroller. But he tells me that the House has a great envy at Sir G. Carteret (age 56), and that had he ever thought fit in all his discourse to have touched upon the point of our want of money and badness of payment, it would have been laid hold on to Sir G. Carteret's (age 56) hurt; but he hath avoided it, though without much reason for it, most studiously, and in short did end thus, that he has never shewn so much of the pigeon in all his life as in his innocence to Sir G. Carteret (age 56) at this time; which I believe, and will desire Sir G. Carteret (age 56) to thank him for it.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Oct 1666. At noon by coach with my Lord Bruncker (age 46) and 'light at the Temple [Map], and so alone I to dinner at a cooke's, and thence to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), whom I find kind; but he had drawn some new proposal to deliver to the Lords Commissioners to-day, wherein one was, that the garrison would not be well paid without some goldsmith's undertaking the paying of the bills of exchange for Tallys. He professing so much kindness to me, and saying that he would not be concerned in the garrison without me; and that if he continued in the employment, no man should have to do with the money but myself. I did ask his Lordship's meaning of the proposition in his paper. He told me he had not much considered it, but that he meant no harm to me. I told him I thought it would render me useless; whereupon he did very frankly, after my seeming denials for a good while, cause it to be writ over again, and that clause left out, which did satisfy me abundantly.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Oct 1666. Up, and by coach to my Lord Ashly's (age 45), and thence (he being gone out), to the Exchequer chamber, and there find him and my Lord Bellasses (age 52) about my Lord Bellasses accounts, which was the business I went upon.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Oct 1666. After dinner I carried him and my wife towards Westminster, by coach, myself 'lighting at the Temple [Map], and there, being a little too soon, walked in the Temple [Map] Church, looking with pleasure on the monuments and epitaphs, and then to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), where Creed and Povy (age 52) by appointment met to discourse of some of their Tangier accounts between my Lord and Vernatty, who will prove a very knave.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Oct 1666. Up, and there comes to see me my Lord Bellasses (age 52), which was a great honour. He tells me great newes, yet but what I suspected, that Vernatty is fled, and so hath cheated him and twenty more, but most of all, I doubt, Mr. Povy (age 52).

Pepy's Diary. 19 Dec 1666. Thence I up to the Lords' House to enquire for Lord Bellasses (age 52); and there hear how at a conference this morning between the two Houses about the business of the Canary Company, my Lord Buckingham (age 38) leaning rudely over my Lord Marquis Dorchester, my Lord Dorchester (age 60) removed his elbow. Duke of Buckingham (age 38) asked him whether he was uneasy; Dorchester replied, yes, and that he durst not do this were he any where else: Buckingham replied, yes he would, and that he was a better man than himself; Dorchester answered that he lyed. With this Buckingham struck off his hat, and took him by his periwigg, and pulled it aside, and held him. My Lord Chamberlain (age 64) and others interposed, and, upon coming into the House, the Lords did order them both to the Tower, whither they are to go this afternoon.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Dec 1666. After dinner out with Balty (age 26), setting him down at the Maypole in the Strand, and then I to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), and there spoke with Mr. Moone about some business, and so away home to my business at the office, and then home to supper and to bed, after having finished the putting of little papers upon my books to be numbered hereafter.

Pepy's Diary. 28 Dec 1666. I not sorry for it much did go to White Hall, and got my Lord Bellasses (age 52) to get me into the playhouse; and there, after all staying above an hour for the players, the King (age 36) and all waiting, which was absurd, saw "Henry the Fifth" well done by the Duke's people, and in most excellent habits, all new vests, being put on but this night. But I sat so high and far off, that I missed most of the words, and sat with a wind coming into my back and neck, which did much trouble me. The play continued till twelve at night; and then up, and a most horrid cold night it was, and frosty, and moonshine. But the worst was, I had left my cloak at Sir G. Carteret's (age 56), and they being abed I was forced to go home without it. So by chance got a coach and to the Golden Lion Taverne in the Strand, and there drank some mulled sack, and so home, where find my poor wife staying for me, and then to bed mighty cold.

Pepy's Diary. 28 Dec 1666. Up, and Creed and I walked (a very fine walk in the frost) to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), but missing him did find him at White Hall, and there spoke with him about some Tangier business. That done, we to Creed's lodgings, which are very pretty, but he is going from them. So we to Lincoln's Inne Fields, he to Ned Pickering's (age 48), who it seems lives there, keeping a good house, and I to my Lord Crew's (age 68), where I dined, and hear the newes how my Lord's brother, Mr. Nathaniel Crew (age 33), hath an estate of 6 or £700 per annum, left him by the death of an old acquaintance of his, but not akin to him at all. And this man is dead without will, but had, above ten years since, made over his estate to this Mr. Crew (age 33), to him and his heirs for ever, and given Mr. Crew (age 68) the keeping of the deeds in his own hand all this time; by which, if he would, he might have taken present possession of the estate, for he knew what they were. This is as great an act of confident friendship as this latter age, I believe, can shew.

Poll Bill

Pepy's Diary. 21 Jan 1667. Here spoke with my Lord Bellasses (age 52) about getting some money for Tangier, which he doubts we shall not be able to do out of the Poll Bill, it being so strictly tied for the Navy. He tells me the Lords have passed the Bill for the accounts with some little amendments.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Feb 1667. Up, and by water to the Temple [Map], and thence to Sir Ph. Warwicke's (age 57) about my Tangier warrant for tallies, and there met my Lord Bellasses (age 52) and Creed, and discoursed about our business of money, but we are defeated as to any hopes of getting [any] thing upon the Poll Bill, which I seem but not much troubled at, it not concerning me much.

Pepy's Diary. 25 Jan 1667. So a little troubled at this fray, I away by coach with my wife, and left her at the New Exchange, and I to my Chancellor's (age 57), and then back, taking up my wife to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), and there spoke with Mr. Moone, who tells me that the peace between us and Spayne is, as he hears, concluded on, which I should be glad of, and so home, and after a little at my office, home to finish my journall for yesterday and to-day, and then a little supper and to bed. This day the House hath passed the Bill for the Assessment, which I am glad of; and also our little Bill, for giving any one of us in the office the power of justice of peace, is done as I would have it.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Jan 1667. Thence I up to the King's closet, and there heard a good Anthem, and discoursed with several people here about business, among others with Lord Bellasses (age 52), and so from one to another after sermon till the King (age 36) had almost dined, and then home with Sir G. Carteret (age 57) and dined with him, being mightily ashamed of my not having seen my Lady Jemimah so long, and my wife not at all yet since she come, but she shall soon do it.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Jan 1667. I thence to Sir Philip Warwicke (age 57), by appointment, to meet Lord Bellasses (age 52), and up to his chamber, but find him unwilling to discourse of business on Sundays; so did not enlarge, but took leave, and went down and sat in a low room, reading Erasmus "de scribendis epistolis", a very good book, especially one letter of advice to a courtier most true and good, which made me once resolve to tear out the two leaves that it was writ in, but I forebore it.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Jan 1667. By and by comes Lord Bellasses (age 52), and then he and I up again to Sir P. Warwicke (age 57) and had much discourse of our Tangier business, but no hopes of getting any money.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Feb 1667. Up, and to the office, where all the morning doing business, and then home to dinner. Heard this morning that the Prince (age 47) is much better, and hath good rest. All the talk is that my Lord Sandwich (age 41) hath perfected the peace with Spayne, which is very good, if true. Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) was with me this morning, and told me of my Lord Bellasses's (age 52) base dealings with him by getting him to give him great gratuities to near £2000 for his friendship in the business of the Mole, and hath been lately underhand endeavouring to bring another man into his place as Governor, so as to receive his money of Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) for nothing.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Feb 1667. So home to dinner, and after dinner by coach to Lord Bellasses (age 52), and with him to Povy's (age 53) house, whom we find with Auditor Beale and Vernatty about their accounts still, which is never likely to have end. Our business was to speak with Vernatty, who is certainly a most cunning knave as ever was born.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Feb 1667. But going, after the business of money was over, to other businesses, of settling the garrison, he did fling out, and so did the Duke of York (age 33), two or three severe words touching my Lord Bellasses (age 52): that he would have no Governor come away from thence in less than three years; no, though his lady were with child. "And", says the Duke of York (age 33), "there should be no Governor continue so, longer than three years". "Nor", says Lord Arlington (age 49), "when our rules are once set, and upon good judgment declared, no Governor should offer to alter them".-"We must correct the many things that are amiss there; for", says the Chancellor (age 57), "you must think we do hear of more things amisse than we are willing to speak before our friends' faces". My Lord Bellasses (age 52) would not take notice of their reflecting on him, and did wisely, but there were also many reflections on him.

Pepy's Diary. 15 Feb 1667. Up and with Sir W. Batten (age 66) and Sir J. Minnes (age 67) by coach to White Hall, where we attended upon the Duke of York (age 33) to complain of the disorders the other day among the seamen at the Pay at the Ticket Office, and that it arises from lack of money, and that we desire, unless better provided for with money, to have nothing more to do with the payment of tickets, it being not our duty; and the Duke of York (age 33) and Sir W. Coventry (age 39) did agree to it, so that I hope we shall be rid of that trouble. This done, I moved for allowance for a house for Mr. Turner, and got it granted. Then away to Westminster Hall [Map], and there to the Exchequer about my tallies, and so back to White Hall, and so with Lord Bellasses (age 52) to the Excise Office, where met by Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) to consider about our business of money there, and that done, home and to dinner, where I hear Pegg Pen (age 16) is married this day privately; no friends, but two or three relations on his side and hers. Borrowed many things of my kitchen for dressing their dinner.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Feb 1667. Thence with my tallies home, and a little dinner, and then with my wife by coach to Lincoln's Inn Fields, sent her to her brother's (age 27), and I with Lord Bellasses (age 52) to the Chancellor's (age 58). Lord Bellasses (age 52) tells me how the King of France (age 28) hath caused the stop to be made to our proposition of treating in The Hague; that he being greater than they, we may better come and treat at Paris: so that God knows what will become of the peace!

Pepy's Diary. 06 Mar 1667. Then abroad with my wife, leaving her at the 'Change [Map], while I to Sir H. Cholmly's (age 34), a pretty house, and a fine, worthy, well-disposed gentleman he is. He and I to Sir Ph. Warwicke's (age 57), about money for Tangier, but to little purpose. H. Cholmley (age 34) tells me, among other things, that he hears of little hopes of a peace, their demands being so high as we shall never grant, and could tell me that we shall keep no fleete abroad this year, but only squadrons. And, among other things, that my Lord Bellasses (age 52), he believes, will lose his command of Tangier by his corrupt covetous ways of.endeavouring to sell his command, which I am glad [of], for he is a man of no worth in the world but compliment.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Mar 1667. So home with Sir W. Batten (age 66), and Sir W. Pen (age 45), by coach, and there met at the office, and my Lord Bruncker (age 47) presently after us, and there did give order to Mr. Stevens for securing the tickets in Carcasses hands, which my Lord against his will could not refuse to sign, and then home to dinner, and so away with my wife by coach, she to Mrs. Pierce's and I to my Lord Bellasses (age 52), and with him to [my] Lord Treasurer's (age 59), where by agreement we met with Sir H. Cholmly (age 34), and there sat and talked all the afternoon almost about one thing or other, expecting Sir Philip Warwicke's (age 57) coming, but he come not, so we away towards night, Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) and I to the Temple [Map], and there parted, telling me of my Lord Bellasses's (age 52) want of generosity, and that he [Bellasses] will certainly be turned out of his government, and he thinks himself stands fair for it.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Mar 1667. Up, and with Sir W. Batten (age 66) and Sir W. Pen (age 45) to my Lord Treasurer's (age 60), where we met with my Lord Bruncker (age 47) an hour before the King (age 36) come, and had time to talk a little of our business. Then come much company, among others Sir H. Cholmly (age 34), who tells me that undoubtedly my Lord Bellasses (age 52) will go no more as Governor to Tangier, and that he do put in fair for it, and believes he shall have it, and proposes how it may conduce to his account and mine in the business of money. Here we fell into talk with Sir Stephen Fox (age 39), and, among other things, of the Spanish manner of walking, when three together, and shewed me how, which was pretty, to prevent differences.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Mar 1667. Then I went back to White Hall, and there up to the closet, and spoke with several people till sermon was ended, which was preached by the Bishop of Hereford (age 64), an old good man, that they say made an excellent sermon. He was by birth a Catholique, and a great gallant, having £1500 per annum, patrimony, and is a Knight Barronet; was turned from his persuasion by the late Archbishop Laud. He and the Bishop of Exeter, Dr. Ward, are the two Bishops that the King (age 36) do say he cannot have bad sermons from. Here I met with Sir H. Cholmly (age 34), who tells me, that undoubtedly my Lord Bellasses (age 52) do go no more to Tangier, and that he do believe he do stand in a likely way to go Governor; though he says, and showed me, a young silly Lord, one Lord Allington (age 27), who hath offered a great sum of money to go, and will put hard for it, he having a fine lady (age 22), and a great man would be glad to have him out of the way.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Mar 1667. Away thence, and met with Sir H. Cholmly (age 34), who tells me that he do believe the government of Tangier is bought by my Lord Allington (age 27) for a sum of money to my Lord Arlington (age 49), and something to Lord Bellasses (age 52), who (he did tell me particularly how) is as very a false villain as ever was born, having received money of him here upon promise and confidence of his return, forcing him to pay it by advance here, and promising to ask no more there, when at the same time he was treating with my Lord Allington (age 27) to sell his command to him, and yet told Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) nothing of it, but when Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) told him what he had heard, he confessed that my Lord Allington (age 27) had spoken to him of it, but that he was a vain man to look after it, for he was nothing fit for it, and then goes presently to my Lord Allington (age 27) and drives on the bargain, yet tells Lord Allington what he himself had said of him, as [though] Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) had said them. I am glad I am informed hereof, and shall know him for a Lord, &c. Sir H. Cholmly (age 34) tells me further that he is confident there will be a peace, and that a great man did tell him that my Lord Albemarle (age 58) did tell him the other day at White Hall as a secret that we should have a peace if any thing the King of France (age 28) can ask and our King can give will gain it, which he is it seems mad at.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Apr 1667. So home and to my chamber about sending an express to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] about Balty's (age 27) money, and then comes Mrs. Turner (age 44) to enquire after her son's business, which goes but bad, which led me to show her how false Sir W. Pen (age 45) is to her, whereupon she told me his obligations to her, and promises to her, and how a while since he did show himself dissatisfied in her son's coming to the table and applying himself to me, which is a good nut, and a nut I will make use of. She gone I to other business in my chamber, and then to supper and to bed. The Swede's Embassadors and our Commissioners are making all the haste they can over to the treaty for peace, and I find at Court, and particularly Lord Bellasses (age 52), says there will be a peace, and it is worth remembering what Sir W. Coventry (age 39) did tell me (as a secret though) that whereas we are afeard Harman's (age 42) fleete to the West Indys will not be got out before the Dutch come and block us up, we shall have a happy pretext to get out our ships under pretence of attending the Embassadors and Commissioners, which is a very good, but yet a poor shift.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Apr 1667. Thence back to White Hall, and there saw the King (age 36) come out of chapel after prayers in the afternoon, which he is never at but after having received the Sacrament: and the Court, I perceive, is quite out of mourning; and some very fine; among others, my Lord Gerard (age 49), in a very rich vest and coat. Here I met with my Lord Bellasses (age 52): and it is pretty to see what a formal story he tells me of his leaving, his place upon the death of my Lord Cleveland (deceased), by which he is become Captain of the Pensioners; and that the King (age 36) did leave it to him to keep the other or take this; whereas, I know the contrary, that they had a mind to have him away from Tangier. He tells me he is commanded by the King (age 36) to go down to the Northward to satisfy the Deputy Lieutenants of Yorkshire, who have desired to lay down their commissions upon pretence of having no profit by their places but charge, but indeed is upon the Duke of Buckingham's (age 39) being under a cloud (of whom there is yet nothing heard), so that the King (age 36) is apprehensive of their discontent, and sends him to pacify them, and I think he is as good a dissembler as any man else, and a fine person he is for person, and proper to lead the Pensioners, but a man of no honour nor faith I doubt.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Apr 1667. So away by water from the Old Swan [Map] to White Hall, and there to Sir W. Coventry's (age 39), with whom I staid a great while longer than I have done these many months, and had opportunity of talking with him, and he do declare himself troubled that he hath any thing left him to do in the Navy, and would be glad to part with his whole profits and concernments in it, his pains and care being wholly ineffectual during this lack of money; the expense growing infinite, the service not to be done, and discipline and order not to be kept, only from want of money. I begun to discourse with him the business of Tangier, which by the removal of my Lord Bellasses (age 52), is now to have a new Governor; and did move him, that at this season all the business of reforming the garrison might be considered, while nobody was to be offended; and I told him it is plain that we do overspend our revenue: that the place is of no more profit to the King (age 36) than it was the first day, nor in itself of better credit; no more people of condition willing to live there, nor any thing like a place likely to turn his Majesty to account: that it hath been hitherto, and, for aught I see, likely only to be used as a job to do a kindness to some Lord, or he that can get to be Governor. Sir W. Coventry (age 39) agreed with me, so as to say, that unless the King (age 36) hath the wealth of the Mogul, he would be a beggar to have his businesses ordered in the manner they now are: that his garrisons must be made places only of convenience to particular persons that he hath moved the Duke of York (age 33) in it; and that it was resolved to send no Governor thither till there had been Commissioners sent to put the garrison in order, so as that he that goes may go with limitations and rules to follow, and not to do as he please, as the rest have hitherto done. That he is not afeard to speak his mind, though to the displeasure of any man; and that I know well enough; but that, when it is come, as it is now, that to speak the truth in behalf of the King (age 36) plainly do no good, but all things bore down by other measures than by what is best for the King (age 36), he hath no temptation to be perpetually fighting of battles, it being more easy to him do those terms to suffer things to go on without giving any man offence, than to have the same thing done, and he contract the displeasure of all the world, as he must do, that will be for the King (age 36). I did offer him to draw up my thoughts in this matter to present to the Duke of York (age 33), which he approved of, and I do think to do it.

Pepy's Diary. 19 May 1667. After dinner Sir G. Carteret (age 57) and I alone, and there, among other discourse, he did declare that he would be content to part with his place of Treasurer of the Navy upon good terms. I did propose my Lord Bellasses (age 52) as a man likely to buy it, which he listened to, and I did fully concur and promote his design of parting with it, for though I would have my father live, I would not have him die Treasurer of the Navy, because of the accounts which must be uncleared at his death, besides many other circumstances making it advisable for him to let it go. He tells me that he fears all will come to naught in the nation soon if the King (age 36) do not mind his business, which he do not seem likely to do. He says that the Treasury will be managed for a while by a Commission, whereof he thinks my Chancellor (age 58) for the honour of it, and my Lord Ashly (age 45), and the two Secretaries will be, and some others he knows not.

On 05 Jul 1667 [his former sister-in-law] Susan Crane (age 37) died.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Jul 1667. Home to dinner, and then to the office, we having dispatched away Mr. Oviatt to Hull, about our prizes there; and I have wrote a letter of thanks by him to Lord Bellasses (age 53), who had writ to me to offer all his service for my interest there, but I dare not trust him.

Around 30 Jul 1667 [his son] Henry Belasyse (age 28) was killed in a duel following a drunken quarrel by his friend Thomas Porter over a trivial matter. The event was described by Samuel Pepys: Here Sir Philip Frowde, who sat next to me, did tell me how Sir H.Belasses is dead, and that the quarrel between him and Tom Porter, who is fled, did arise in the ridiculous fashion that I was first told it, which is a strange thing between two so good friends.

Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1668. Thence to the Duke of York (age 34), and there did a little navy business as we used to do, and so to a Committee for Tangier, where God knows how my Lord Bellasses's (age 53) accounts passed; understood by nobody but my Lord Ashly (age 46), who, I believe, was mad to let them go as he pleased. But here Sir H. Cholmly (age 35) had his propositions read, about a greater price for his work of the Mole, or to do it upon account, which, being read, he was bid to withdraw. But, Lord! to see how unlucky a man may be, by chance; for, making an unfortunate minute when they were almost tired with the other business, the Duke of York (age 34) did find fault with it, and that made all the rest, that I believe he had better have given a great deal, and had nothing said to it to-day; whereas, I have seen other things more extravagant passed at first hearing, without any difficulty.

Pepy's Diary. 18 May 1668. Up, and to my office, where most of the morning doing business and seeing my window-frames new painted, and then I out by coach to my Lord Bellasses (age 53), at his new house by my late Lord Treasurer's, and there met him and Mr. Sherwin, Auditor Beale, and Creed, about my Lord's accounts, and here my Lord shewed me his new house, which, indeed, is mighty noble, and good pictures-indeed, not one bad one in it.

Pepy's Diary. 19 May 1668. After dinner at home, to White Hall, it being a very rainy day, and there a Committee for Tangier, where I was mightily pleased to see Sir W. Coventry (age 40) fall upon my Lord Bellasses' (age 53) business of the 3d. in every piece of it which he would get to himself, making the King (age 37) pay 4s. 9d, while he puts them off for 4s. 6d., so that Sir W. Coventry (age 40) continues still the same man for the King's good. But here Creed did vex me with saying that I ought first to have my account past by the Commissioners of Tangier before in the Exchequer.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Aug 1668. Mr. Bramstone (son to Judge B), my old fellow-traveler, now reader at the Middle Temple, invited me to his feast, which was so very extravagant and great as the like had not been seen at any time. There were the Duke of Ormond (age 57), Privy Seal (age 62), Bedford (age 52), Belasis (age 54), Halifax (age 34), and a world more of Earls and Lords.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Aug 1668. Up, and to my office a little, and then to White Hall about a Committee for Tangier at my Lord Arlington's (age 50), where, by Creed's being out of town, I have the trouble given me of drawing up answers to the complaints of the Turks of Algiers, and so I have all the papers put into my hand. Here till noon, and then back to the Office, where sat a little, and then to dinner, and presently to the office, where come to me my Lord Bellassis (age 54), Lieutenant-Colonell Fitzgerald, newly come from Tangier, and Sir Arthur Basset, and there I received their informations, and so, they being gone, I with my clerks and another of Lord Brouncker's, Seddon, sat up till two in the morning, drawing up my answers and writing them fair, which did trouble me mightily to sit up so long, because of my eyes.

Around 1669 John Michael Wright (age 51). Portrait of John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 54).

Pepy's Diary. 27 Jan 1669. Up, and with Sir John Minnes (age 69) in his coach to White Hall, where first we waited on the Lords of the Treasury about finishing the Victualling Contract; and there also I was put to it to make good our letter complaining against my Lord Anglesey's (age 54) failing us in the payment of the moneys assigned us upon the Customs, where Mr. Fenn was, and I know will tell my Lord; but it is no matter, I am over shy already, and therefore must not fear. Then we up to a Committee of the Council for the Navy, about a business of Sir D. Gawden's relating to the Victualling, and thence I by Hackney to the Temple [Map] to the Auditor's man, and with him to a tavern to meet with another under-auditor to advise about the clearing of my Lord Bellasses' (age 54) accounts without injuring myself and perplexing my accounts, and so thence away to my cozen Turner's, where I find Roger Pepys (age 51) come last night to town, and here is his mistress, Mrs. Dickenson, and by and by comes in Mr. Turner, a worthy, sober, serious man-I honour him mightily. And there we dined, having but an ordinary dinner; and so, after dinner, she, and I, and Roger, and his mistress, to the Duke of York's playhouse, and there saw "The Five Hours' Adventure", which hath not been acted a good while before, but once, and is a most excellent play, I must confess. My wife and The. (age 17) come after us, after they had been to buy some things abroad, and so after the play done we to see them home, and then home ourselves, and my wife to read to me, and so to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Feb 1669. Up, and by water from the Tower to White Hall, the first time that I have gone to that end of the town by water, for two or three months, I think, since I kept a coach, which God send propitious to me; but it is a very great convenience. I went to a Committee of Tangier, but it did not meet, and so I meeting Mr. Povy (age 55), he and I away to Dancre's (age 44), to speak something touching the pictures I am getting him to make for me. And thence he carried me to Mr. Streeter's, the famous history-painter over the way, whom I have often heard of, but did never see him before; and there I found him, and Dr. Wren, and several Virtuosos, looking upon the paintings which he is making for the new Theatre at Oxford: and, indeed, they look as if they would be very fine, and the rest think better than those of Rubens in the Banqueting-house at White Hall, but I do not so fully think so. But they will certainly be very noble; and I am mightily pleased to have the fortune to see this man and his work, which is very famous; and he a very civil little man, and lame, but lives very handsomely. So thence to my Lord Bellassis (age 54), and met him within: my business only to see a chimney-piece of Dancre's (age 44) doing, in distemper, with egg to keep off the glaring of the light, which I must have done for my room: and indeed it is pretty, but, I must confess, I do think it is not altogether so beautiful as the oyle pictures; but I will have some of one, and some of another.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Mar 1669. Up, and to White Hall to the Committee of Tangier, but it did not meet. But here I do hear first that my Lady Paulina Montagu (deceased) did die yesterday; at which I went to my Lord's lodgings, but he is shut up with sorrow, and so not to be spoken with: and therefore I returned, and to Westminster Hall [Map], where I have not been, I think, in some months. And here the Hall was very full, the King (age 38) having, by Commission to some Lords this day, prorogued the Parliament till the 19th of October next: at which I am glad, hoping to have time to go over to France this year. But I was most of all surprised this morning by my Lord Bellassis (age 54), who, by appointment, met me at Auditor Wood's, at the Temple [Map], and tells me of a duell designed between the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) and my Lord Halifax (age 35), or Sir W. Coventry (age 41); the challenge being carried by Harry Saville (age 27), but prevented by my Lord Arlington (age 51), and the King (age 38) told of it; and this was all the discourse at Court this day. But I, meeting Sir W. Coventry (age 41) in the Duke of York's (age 35) chamber, he would not own it to me, but told me that he was a man of too much peace to meddle with fighting, and so it rested: but the talk is full in the town of the business.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Mar 1669. Up, and a while at the office, but thinking to have Mr. Povy's (age 55) business to-day at the Committee for Tangier, I left the Board and away to White Hall, where in the first court I did meet Sir Jeremy Smith, who did tell me that Sir W. Coventry (age 41) was just now sent to the Tower, about the business of his challenging the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), and so was also Harry Saville (age 27) to the Gate-house; which, as [he is] a gentleman, and of the Duke of York's (age 35) bedchamber, I heard afterwards that the Duke of York (age 35) is mightily incensed at, and do appear very high to the King (age 38) that he might not be sent thither, but to the Tower [Map], this being done only in contempt to him. This news of Sir W. Coventry (age 41) did strike me to the heart, and with reason, for by this and my Lord of Ormond's (age 58) business, I do doubt that the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) will be so flushed, that he will not stop at any thing, but be forced to do any thing now, as thinking it not safe to end here; and, Sir W. Coventry (age 41) being gone, the King (age 38) will have never a good counsellor, nor the Duke of York (age 35) any sure friend to stick to him; nor any good man will be left to advise what is good. This, therefore, do heartily trouble me as any thing that ever I heard. So up into the House, and met with several people; but the Committee did not meet; and the whole House I find full of this business of Sir W. Coventry's (age 41), and most men very sensible of the cause and effects of it. So, meeting with my Lord Bellassis (age 54), he told me the particulars of this matter; that it arises about a quarrel which Sir W. Coventry (age 41) had with the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) about a design between the Duke and Sir Robert Howard, to bring him into a play at the King's house, which W. Coventry (age 41) not enduring, did by H. Saville (age 27) send a letter to the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), that he had a desire to speak with him. Upon which, the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) did bid Holmes (age 47), his champion ever since my Lord Shrewsbury's business1, go to him to know the business; but H. Saville (age 27) would not tell it to any but himself, and therefore did go presently to the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), and told him that his uncle Coventry (age 41) was a person of honour, and was sensible of his Grace's liberty taken of abusing him, and that he had a desire of satisfaction, and would fight with him. But that here they were interrupted by my Lord Chamberlain's (age 67) coming in, who was commanded to go to bid the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) to come to the King (age 38), Holmes (age 47) having discovered it. He told me that the King (age 38) did last night, at the Council, ask the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), upon his honour, whether he had received any challenge from W. Coventry (age 41)? which he confessed that he had; and then the King (age 38) asking W. Coventry (age 41), he told him that he did not owne what the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) had said, though it was not fit for him to give him a direct contradiction. But, being by the King (age 38) put upon declaring, upon his honour, the matter, he answered that he had understood that many hard questions had upon this business been moved to some lawyers, and that therefore he was unwilling to declare any thing that might, from his own mouth, render him obnoxious to his Majesty's displeasure, and, therefore, prayed to be excused: which the King (age 38) did think fit to interpret to be a confession, and so gave warrant that night for his commitment to the Tower. Being very much troubled at this, I away by coach homewards, and directly to the Tower, where I find him in one Mr. Bennet's house, son to Major Bayly, one of the Officers of the Ordnance, in the Bricke Tower [Map]2 where I find him busy with my Lord Halifax (age 35) and his brother (age 50); so I would not stay to interrupt them, but only to give him comfort, and offer my service to him, which he kindly and cheerfully received, only owning his being troubled for the King (age 38) his master's displeasure, which, I suppose, is the ordinary form and will of persons in this condition. And so I parted, with great content, that I had so earlily seen him there; and so going out, did meet Sir Jer. Smith going to meet me, who had newly been with Sir W. Coventry (age 41). And so he and I by water to Redriffe [Map], and so walked to Deptford, Kent [Map], where I have not been, I think, these twelve months: and there to the Treasurer's house, where the Duke of York (age 35) is, and his Duchess (age 31); and there we find them at dinner in the great room, unhung; and there was with them my Lady Duchess of Monmouth (age 31), the Countess of Falmouth (age 24), Castlemayne (age 28), Henrietta Hide (age 23) (my Lady Hinchingbroke's (age 24) sister), and my Lady Peterborough (age 47). And after dinner Sir Jer. Smith and I were invited down to dinner with some of the Maids of Honour, namely, Mrs. Ogle (age 17), Blake (age 16), and Howard (age 18), which did me good to have the honour to dine with, and look on; and the Mother of the Maids, and Mrs. Howard (age 43), the mother of the Maid of Honour of that name, and the Duke's housekeeper here. Here was also Monsieur Blancfort (age 28), Sir Richard Powell, Colonel Villers (age 48), Sir Jonathan Trelawny (age 46), and others. And here drank most excellent, and great variety, and plenty of wines, more than I have drank, at once, these seven years, but yet did me no great hurt. Having dined and very merry, and understanding by Blancfort (age 28) how angry the Duke of York (age 35) was, about their offering to send Saville to the Gate-house, among the rogues; and then, observing how this company, both the ladies and all, are of a gang, and did drink a health to the union of the two brothers, and talking of others as their enemies, they parted, and so we up; and there I did find the Duke of York (age 35) and Duchess (age 31), with all the great ladies, sitting upon a carpet, on the ground, there being no chairs, playing at "I love my love with an A, because he is so and so: and I hate him with an A, because of this and that:" and some of them, but particularly the Duchess (age 31) herself, and my Baroness Castlemayne (age 28), were very witty. This done, they took barge, and I with Sir J. Smith to Captain Cox's; and there to talk, and left them and other company to drink; while I slunk out to Bagwell's; and there saw her, and her mother, and our late maid Nell, who cried for joy to see me, but I had no time for pleasure then nor could stay, but after drinking I back to the yard, having a month's mind para have had a bout with Nell, which I believe I could have had, and may another time.

Note 1. Charles II wrote to his sister (age 24) (Henrietta, Duchess of Orléans), on March 7th, 1669: "I am not sorry that Sir Will. Coventry has given me this good occasion by sending my Lord of Buckingham (age 41) a challenge to turne him out of the Councill. I do intend to turn him allso out of the Treasury. The truth of it is, he has been a troublesome man in both places and I am well rid of him" (Julia Cartwright's "Madame", 1894, p. 283).

Note 2. The Brick Tower [Map] stands on the northern wall, a little to the west of Martin tower, with which it communicates by a secret passage. It was the residence of the Master of the Ordnance, and Raleigh was lodged here for a time.

Pepy's Diary. 06 Mar 1669. Up, and to the office, where all the morning, only before the Office I stepped to Sir W. Coventry (age 41) at the Tower, and there had a great deal of discourse with him; among others, of the King's putting him out of the Council yesterday, with which he is well contented, as with what else they can strip him of, he telling me, and so hath long done, that he is weary and surfeited of business; but he joins with me in his fears that all will go to naught, as matters are now managed. He told me the matter of the play that was intended for his abuse, wherein they foolishly and sillily bring in two tables like that which he hath made, with a round hole in the middle, in his closet, to turn himself in; and he is to be in one of them as master, and Sir J. Duncomb in the other, as his man or imitator: and their discourse in those tables, about the disposing of their books and papers, very foolish. But that, that he is offended with, is his being made so contemptible, as that any should dare to make a gentleman a subject for the mirth of the world: and that therefore he had told Tom Killigrew (age 57) that he should tell his actors, whoever they were, that did offer at any thing like representing him, that he would not complain to my Lord Camberlain, which was too weak, nor get him beaten, as Sir Charles Sidly is said to do, but that he would cause his nose to be cut. He told me the passage at the Council much like what my Lord Bellassis (age 54) told me. He told me how that the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) did himself, some time since, desire to join with him, of all men in England, and did bid him propound to himself to be Chief Minister of State, saying that he would bring it about, but that he refused to have anything to do with any faction; and that the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) did, within these few days, say that, of all men in England, he would have chosen W. Coventry (age 41) to have joined entire with. He tells me that he fears their prevailing against the Duke of York (age 35); and that their violence will force them to it, as being already beyond his pardon. He repeated to me many examples of challenging of Privy-Councillors and others; but never any proceeded against with that severity which he is, it never amounting to others to more than a little confinement. He tells me of his being weary of the Treasury, and of the folly, ambition, and desire of popularity of Sir Thomas Clifford (age 38); and yet the rudeness of his tongue and passions when angry. This and much more discourse being over I with great pleasure come home and to the office, where all the morning, and at noon home to dinner, and thence to the office again, where very hard at work all the afternoon till night, and then home to my wife to read to me, and to bed, my cold having been now almost for three days quite gone from me. This day my wife made it appear to me that my late entertainment this week cost me above £12, an expence which I am almost ashamed of, though it is but once in a great while, and is the end for which, in the most part, we live, to have such a merry day once or twice in a man's life.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Apr 1669. Up; and with my own coach as far as the Temple [Map], and thence sent it to my cozen Turner, who, to ease her own horses, that are going with her out of town, do borrow mine to-day. So I to Auditor Wood's, and thereto meet, and met my Lord Bellassis (age 54) upon some business of his accounts, and having done that did thence go to St. James's, and attended the Duke of York (age 35) a little, being the first time of my waiting on him at St. James's this summer, whither he is now newly gone and thence walked to White Hall; and so, by and by, to the Council-Chamber, and heard a remarkable cause pleaded between the Farmers of the Excise of Wiltshire, in complaint against the justices of Peace of Salisbury: and Sir H. Finch (age 47) was for the former. But, Lord! to see how he did with his admirable eloquence order the matter, is not to be conceived almost: so pleasant a thing it is to hear him plead. Then at noon by coach home, and thither by and by comes cozen Turner, and The. (age 17), and Joyce, in their riding-clod: they being come from their lodgings to her husbands chamber, at the Temple [Map], and there do lie, and purpose to go out of town on Friday next; and here I had a good dinner for them.

Around 1672 [his son-in-law] Robert Constable 3rd Viscount Dunbar (age 21) and [his daughter] Mary Belasyse were married.

In 1674 Thomas Crew 2nd Baron Crew (age 50) and [his former step-daughter] Anne Armine (age 22) were married. The difference in their ages was 28 years.

Before 29 Apr 1681 Thomas Wodehouse and [his former step-daughter] Anne Armine (age 29) were married.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Jan 1687. There was now another change of the great officers. The Treasury was put into commission, two professed Papists among them, viz, Lords Bellasis (age 72) and Dover (age 51), joined with the old ones, Lord Godolphin (age 41), Sir Stephen Fox (age 59), and Sir John Ernley.

After 21 Jun 1687 [his daughter] Mary Belasyse died.

On 10 Sep 1689 John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse (age 75) died. His grandson Henry Belasyse 2nd Baron Belasyse (age 22) succeeded 2nd Baron Belasyse of Worlaby in Lincolnshire. Anne Brudenell Duchess Richmond (age 18) by marriage Viscountess Ipswich.

Around Sep 1694 [his former wife] Anne Paulett Baroness Belasyse died.

[his daughter] Isabel Belasyse was born to John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse and Anne Paulett Baroness Belasyse.

[his daughter] Honora Belasyse Baroness Bergavenny was born to John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse and Anne Paulett Baroness Belasyse.

[his daughter] Mary Belasyse was born to John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse and Jane Boteler.

[his daughter] Barbara Belasyse Lady Webb was born to John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse and Anne Paulett Baroness Belasyse.

Royal Ancestors of John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse 1614-1689

Kings Wessex: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 20 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 15 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 8 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 14 Grand Son of William "Lion" I King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 13 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 10 Grand Son of Philip "Bold" III King France

Royal Descendants of John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse 1614-1689

Diana Spencer Princess Wales x 1

Ancestors of John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse 1614-1689

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Thomas Belasyse

Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Bellasis 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Lancelot Threlkeld

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Threlkeld 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Bromflete Baroness Clifford 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Bellasis of Newburgh Priory in Yorkshire 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

GrandFather: Henry Belasyse 1st Baronet 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Fairfax 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Fairfax 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Nicholas Fairfax of Gilling Castle 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Gascoigne 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Gascoigne 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Percy 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Fairfax 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Francis Palmes of Lindley 9 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Guy Palmes of Naburn 10 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Hadnall

Great x 2 Grandmother: Jane Palmes 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Father: Thomas Belasyse 1st Viscount Fauconberg 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Fairfax of Denton in Yorkshire

GrandMother: Ursula Fairfax

John Belasyse 1st Baron Belasyse 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Cholmeley

Great x 2 Grandfather: Roger Cholmley

Great x 1 Grandfather: Richard "The Great Black Knight of the North" Cholmeley 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Marmaduke Constable 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Constable 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margery Fitzhugh 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Catherine Constable 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Ingleby

Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Ingleby

GrandFather: Henry Cholmley 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John "Butcher" Clifford 9th Baron Clifford 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry "Shepherd Lord" Clifford 10th Baron Clifford 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Bromflete Baroness Clifford 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Clifford 1st Earl of Cumberland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John St John 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne St John Baroness Clifford 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Bradshaigh

Great x 1 Grandmother: Catherine Clifford Baroness Scrope Bolton 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 4th Earl of Northumberland 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Maud Herbert Countess Northumberland 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Percy Baroness Clifford 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Spencer of Spencer Combe

Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Beaufort Countess Ormonde 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Mother: Barbara Cholmley Viscountess Faunconberg 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Babthorpe

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Babthorpe

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Babthorpe

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Babthorpe

GrandMother: Margaret Babthorpe 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Marmaduke Constable 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Marmaduke Constable 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margery Fitzhugh 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Constable 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Sothill

Great x 3 Grandmother: Barbara Sothill

Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Ingleby

Great x 1 Grandmother: Barbara Constable 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Manners 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: George Manners 11th Baron Ros Helmsley 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Ros 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Manners 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas St Leger 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne St Leger Baroness Ros Helmsley 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne York Duchess Exeter 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England