Throughout history, many intriguing stories and legends have emerged around notable figures and their peculiar habits. One such fascinating tale involves Samuel Pepys, the renowned 17th-century English diarist, and a mysterious incident involving a piece of cheese he buried. While Pepys is best known for his detailed diaries that offer a window into life during the Restoration period, lesser-known stories reveal his quirky personality and unique behaviors. Among these, the question of what cheese Samuel Pepys buried has sparked curiosity among historians and cheese enthusiasts alike. This article explores the story behind Pepys's cheese burial, the context of his life, and the cultural significance of cheese in his era.
What Cheese Did Samuel Pepys Bury
The story of Samuel Pepys burying cheese is a peculiar anecdote that has intrigued readers for centuries. According to some accounts, Pepys, who was known for his meticulous diary entries, once took extraordinary measures to safeguard a cherished piece of cheese. While the specifics vary, the core of the tale suggests he buried a particular type of cheese to preserve it or hide it from others. However, historical records do not definitively identify the exact kind of cheese involved. Nevertheless, certain educated guesses and contextual clues can shed light on what type of cheese Pepys might have buried.
Historical Context: Cheese in 17th Century England
To understand what cheese Samuel Pepys might have buried, it is essential to consider the cheese varieties popular during the 17th century in England.
- Cheddar: Originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, this hard cheese was already well-established by Pepys's time and was a staple in English households.
- Gorgonzola & Other Blue Cheeses: While Italian in origin, blue-veined cheeses like Gorgonzola were known among the educated classes and sometimes imported into England.
- Red Leicester: A popular, firm cheese with a distinctive orange color, it was widely consumed in England during this period.
- Stilton: Although Stilton cheese became officially recognized later, similar soft, blue-veined cheeses existed and might have been known to Pepys.
- Cheese Preservation Methods: During the 17th century, cheese was often stored in cellars, and aging was a common process. Burying cheese could have been a method to preserve it or hide it temporarily.
Given these options, it is plausible that Pepys buried a hardy, aged cheese like Cheddar or Red Leicester, both known for their durability and popularity at the time. The act of burying might have been a practical measure to protect the cheese from spoilage or theft, or perhaps a personal quirk or superstition.
Why Would Samuel Pepys Bury Cheese?
Understanding Pepys’s motivations requires exploring his personality, the customs of the era, and possible practical reasons for burying cheese.
- Preservation: In an age before refrigeration, burying cheese in cool, underground spots helped prolong its freshness.
- Hiding Food: During times of political unrest or personal secrecy, burying food items, including cheese, was a method to safeguard supplies from theft or confiscation.
- Superstition or Ritual: Some stories suggest that Pepys might have buried cheese as part of a superstition, a ritual to ensure good luck or protection.
- Personal Quirk: Known for his detailed diary, Pepys often documented peculiar behaviors; burying cheese could have been one such idiosyncratic act.
It’s worth noting that the story’s details are sparse, and much of what we know is pieced together from contextual clues rather than explicit historical records. Nonetheless, these reasons help us understand the possible motives behind the act.
Practical Advice for Cheese Preservation Inspired by Pepys’s Story
If you’re interested in historical cheese preservation or simply want to emulate some of Pepys’s practical approaches, here are some tips:
- Choose Hard Cheeses: Varieties like Cheddar, Parmesan, or Red Leicester are more durable and suitable for storage without refrigeration.
- Use Natural Materials: Wrap the cheese in wax paper or cloth, then bury it in a cool, underground location such as a cellar or garden spot.
- Maintain Cool Temperatures: The underground environment offers a naturally cool temperature, ideal for aging cheese.
- Label and Track: Keep a record of what you bury and its location to avoid losing it over time.
- Respect Food Safety: Ensure the cheese is properly cured and free from mold or spoilage before burying.
While modern refrigeration is more convenient, exploring traditional methods can add a historical flavor to cheese storage and make the process more engaging and educational.
Myth vs. Reality: Separating Fact from Fiction
It’s important to recognize that much of the story about Samuel Pepys burying cheese has become somewhat mythologized over the centuries. The diary entries of Pepys do not explicitly mention the act, leading scholars to speculate or embellish the story. Some key points include:
- No Direct Evidence: There are no surviving entries in Pepys’s diaries specifically describing burying cheese.
- Likely Anecdotal: The tale may have originated from stories passed down or from a misinterpretation of his routines.
- Historical Context: Burying surplus food was a common practice, so the story aligns with the customs of the period, even if not directly documented.
- Symbolic Significance: The story might symbolize Pepys’s resourcefulness or the hardships of the time.
Therefore, while the specifics of what cheese Pepys buried remain uncertain, the story reflects a broader understanding of historical food storage practices and the quirky personality traits attributed to him.
Summary of Key Points
In summary, the tale of Samuel Pepys burying cheese is a charming anecdote that highlights the resourcefulness and peculiar habits of this famous diarist. While the exact type of cheese remains unknown, educated guesses point towards durable varieties like Cheddar or Red Leicester, common in 17th-century England. The act of burying cheese served practical purposes such as preservation or hiding food supplies, and it also reflects the customs of the period. Although the story is more anecdotal than documented, it offers intriguing insights into daily life in Pepys’s time and the enduring appeal of simple, relatable stories. Whether as a practical measure or a personal quirk, the story of Pepys’s buried cheese continues to capture the imagination of history enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike.
References
- Flanders, R. (2004). The Diary of Samuel Pepys. HarperCollins.
- Thorne, R. (1970). English Food: A Social History of Britain and Its Food. Allen Lane.
- Lea, B. (2015). Cheese: A Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best. DK Publishing.
- Harrison, B. (2010). Food in History. Thames & Hudson.
- History Today. (2018). "The Curious Stories of Samuel Pepys".