In which decade of the 17th century did Samuel Pepys write his famous diary?

Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) was an English Member of Parliament famous for his diary, which he kept from 1660-1669. It was first published in the 19th century and is one of the most important sources of information about the English Restoration period. It provides a combination of personal anecdotes and eyewitness accounts of the restoration of the British throne, the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London.

Pepys was a key figure in the history of the fire of 1666. He was the first person to inform the King of the fire, who told him to go to the Lord Mayor and tell him to start pulling houses down. Houses were less sturdy than today and the King hoped that demolishing them would help stop the spread of the fire.

According to his diary, Pepys spent much of the day arranging the removal of his possessions because he feared the fire would eventually reach his house. He and many other Londoners buried items, including wine, cheese and money, in their gardens.

After the fire was extinguished, Pepys wrote about the disorder and disruption in the city. Despite all the destruction, Pepys's house, office and diary were saved. His diary is now one of England's prized possessions. The Great Plague of 1665, finally came to an end after the fire.

During the 1660s, Pepys became the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under Charles II. Although Pepys had no maritime experience, he rose by patronage, hard work and his talent for administration.