Episode 1

The last series of Hattie Naylor's adaptation.

It's a tense time in the Pepys household. As we know from the last nine years of his diary, Sam has often had dalliances with other women, unbeknown to his wife Elizabeth. Her ignorance of his behaviour came to an abrupt end last October when she walked in on him in a compromising position with the maid, Debs Willet. This discovery has put a huge strain on their marriage. Almost deranged by suspicion and jealousy, Elizabeth forbids Sam to leave the house unless he is accompanied at all times by their servant, Will. It's not all bad, however, as she's used Sam's guilt to make him give her a bigger clothing allowance.

Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.

Historical consultant: Liza Picard
Sound by Nigel Lewis
Production Co-Ordinator: Willa King

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.