If Dublin can have Bloomsday, London should celebrate Pepys Day

On Friday, September 4th, the City of London will once again celebrate Pepys Day, a yearly event commemorating the life and work of celebrated diarist Samuel Pepys. The third annual celebration will take place at 11:00 AM near Temple Bar in Paternoster Square, adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Pepys Day first took place in 2024 and saw an attendance of 225 participants. In 2025, the number doubled, with 500 individuals joining in the festivities. The celebration’s growth echoes the sentiment that, much like Dublin’s Bloomsday, London should pay homage to the man who chronicled the city during its most perilous moments.

Samuel Pepys, who lived during the turbulent reign of Charles II, chronicled the Great Fire of London in his famous diary. A man of many talents, Pepys played a crucial role in transforming the Royal Navy into a modern organization by introducing examinations for naval lieutenants, thereby changing the way naval officers were selected and trained.

Beyond his naval accomplishments, Pepys held the esteemed position of President of the Royal Society from 1684 to 1688. During his tenure, brilliant scientific minds like Isaac Newton published groundbreaking works, including the Principia Mathematica. Pepys’s name is included on the title page of the Principia, highlighting his significant role in the Scientific Revolution.

Another lesser-known aspect of Pepys’s life is his involvement in Tangier affairs. In 1683, he accompanied Lord Dartmouth to Morocco to oversee the demolition of fortifications and the evacuation of the garrison, ensuring that the abandoned colony would not aid the Barbary Pirates. His Tangier papers provide valuable insights into the Navy, administration, and the complexities of imperial power.

Londoners should care about Pepys Day as it offers a unique perspective on London’s history, highlighting the city’s ability to adapt and rebuild in the face of catastrophe. Pepys Day isn’t merely a nostalgic event; it symbolizes the human transformation that occurred during London’s darkest hours. The celebration includes a Temple Bar ceremony with Pepys himself being escorted through the City gates by the Pikemen & Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company, readings from Pepys’s diary, and guided walks exploring his London and the Great Fire.

Interested individuals can participate in a 90-minute walk starting from 12:00 lunchtime at https://www.cityoflondonguides.com/tours/pepys-day-2026, with proceeds benefiting the Lady Mayor’s Appeal. Attendees can enjoy a historical journey, walking the same streets Pepys traversed, while also discovering the scurrilous 17th and 21st-century gossip that filled his diary.

Upon completing the walk, participants can even receive a certificate, commemorating their adventure through the streets of 17th-century London. So, lace up your boots, grab a notebook, and join the celebration of Pepys Day – just like Dublin’s Bloomsday, London deserves to honor this remarkable man who chronicled the city’s transformation during its most challenging times.