Londonist is the exclusive media partner of National Maritime Museum.
If you think London is changing rapidly now, think what a roller coaster of a city it was during the 17th century. One man not only witnessed it all — he savvily wrote it down for posterity: that man was, of course, Samuel Pepys.
Find out everything you could ever want to know about this fascinating Londoner's life and the tumultuous times in which he lived, at the National Maritime Museum's latest blockbuster, Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution, from 20 November.
The largest ever exhibition of its kind uses over 200 paintings and objects from across the UK and beyond to place Pepys in the broader historical context of Interregnum and Stuart Britain.
Journey from the beheading of a king to the crowning of a new one; from the devastating Great Plague and the Fire of London to the fashionable new world city that rose from the ashes.
There's also ample space devoted to Pepys himself — not only a writer but a naval administrator, notorious womaniser and scandalous socialite. This is an afternoon out for history buffs, gossip lovers and everybody in between — catch it from 20 November.
Nights at the museum
As if that weren't enough, the museum is putting on a party in Pepys's honour at its Late event on 26 November. Party Like It's 1669 offers numerous opportunities to do just that. Dance 17th century style, knock back a free tot of Pusser's Rum and make yourself a crown fit for a king (and hope your head doesn't get chopped off with it). Best of all, put on your thinking cap at a fiendish quiz hosted by our very own editor-in-chief James Drury.
Then on 29 January join journalist Will Self as he reads a specially commissioned piece on Pepys, listen to the soothing sounds of the Chaps Choir and chortle at Australian comic Felicity Ward at the Book Slam: Samuel Pepys Special.
There are loads more events, from walks and talks, tours and more — click here for a full list.
Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution is at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich 20 November 2015–28 March 2016. Tickets £12 adult/£6 child.
