Talk:Robert Holmes (Royal Navy officer)

Latest comment: 7 years ago by 77.101.103.91 in topic No mention of a duel?

Untitled edit

I don't think the use of evidence from Pepys is quite right here. In the Diary at 22 Dec 1661 Pepys is not "complaining about his magnificent lifestyle", but objecting to his presence in Pepys' church because of Holmes' unwelcome interest in Pepys' (very attractive) wife. Pepys' mention of Holmes' "gold laced coat" is a sneer to be sure, but hardly a complaint about his magnificent lifestyle.

What is your source for this comment? Thruston 09:55, 3 August 2005 (UTC)Reply


You are right, the diary entry is rather weak in this respect. Still the reference to the gold laced coat is somewhat remarkable. I am following Ollard's (Man of War) assessment, who rather elaborates on the theme of Holmes's circumstances. Christian Rödel, 13 August 2005

No mention of a duel? edit

There is no mention of a duel between Buckingham and Shrewsbury (who died) and also John Talbot and Jenkins (who died). And Holmes. Although dueling was far too common at the time, it was still remarkable that two Peers fought in such a manner, and that two deaths resulted. According to Pepys, all who fought (the seconds fought, as well as the main combatants) were injured. So it does appear that Holmes fought in the duel, was hurt, but survived. Unless my reading is careless, I do not recall having noticed this incident in "Man of War" (of which I have a copy). It is reported, naturally, in Pepys's diary. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.101.103.91 (talk) 16:22, 21 May 2016 (UTC)Reply