(1633-1703) English diarist. His diary 1659–69 was a unique record of both the daily life of the period and his own intimate feelings. Written in shorthand, it was not deciphered until 1825. Pepys was imprisoned 1679 in the Tower of London on suspicion of being connected with the Popish Plot (see Titus Oates).
Born in London, he entered the navy office 1660, and was secretary to the Admiralty 1672–79, publishing Memoires of the Navy 1690.