Bob and I had tickets today for an 11:00 am tour of the Pepys Library at Magdalene College (pronounced maudlin, so I’m glad we didn’t have to ask for directions). This college is located just on the other side of the River Cam, so it was about a 35-40 minute walk from the house.
The library comprises the personal collection of Samuel Pepys (pronounced peeps, that one I knew, and now, so does Bob) that he left to his alma mater at his death in 1703. Apparently, Mr. Pepys was a Member of Parliament and worked as an Administrator for the Royal Navy. He also served as Secretary to the Admiralty under King Charles II and King James II. However, I was only familiar with him because of his diary which was published after his death. We read parts of it in my English Lit class, as it provides a good overview of the times in which he lived, not only of everyday life but also descriptions of the great London fire and the Black Plague.
No photos were allowed in the library, but we ended up as the only guests so had a personal tour. There are 3,000 books displayed in 12 lovely bookcases, and per his wishes, his collection has not been added to. It was great to see the old volumes and admire some handwritten ones as well as some beautifully typeset ones. Apparently, at that time when you bought a book, you only bought the printed pages and then paid to have it bound with a cover. Mr. Pepys always chose to place his seal on the front cover, the title on the spine, and his photo on the inside cover.
Today’s excursion was made even more interesting as it turns out it was Graduation Day for some of the graduate students. A few pics from the day.
a canal along a busy street which was built to bring fresh water to Cambridge.
Peckish Travels 