Samuel Pepys Diary - 1660. The first year of Samuel Pepys extraordinary and seminal diary. On 1 January 1660 ("1 January 1659/1660" in contemporary terms), Pepys began to keep a diary, often regarded as Britain's most celebrated diary. Pepys has been called the greatest diarist of all time due to his frankness in writing concerning his own weaknesses and the accuracy with which he records events of daily British life and major events in the 17th century. Pepys wrote about the contemporary court and theatre (including his amorous affairs with the actresses), his household, and major political and social occurrences. In the first year of the diary, England sees the return of the exiled Charles II, as Parliament officially declares Charles II King. Pepys is onboard the ship that is due to bring him home, part of a fleet commanded by his distant cousin, Edward Montagu. Pepys meets the king for the first time, describing him briefly as 'a sober man.' He is forced to rethink his opinion, though, when Charles comes on board ship. The King's return sees retribution for the execution of his father, Charles I, with the vividly described hanging, drawing and quartering of Thomas Harrison, John Carew and eight others for their part in the execution of Charles I. 'Thus, ' Pepys observes, 'it was my chance to see the King beheaded at White Hall, and to see the first blood shed in revenge for the blood of the King at Charing Cross.'