When the Duke of York lost office in 1673, the king took more direct control of the Admiralty with Pepys as secretary. Election to Parliament increased Pepys's influence. During the Popish Plot scare, Pepys and Anthony Deane were accused of passing naval secrets to France and imprisoned until they cleared their names. Pepys returned to government work in 1683 and became Admiralty secretary again in 1684. He remained influential under James II while holding back from the king's pro-Catholic policies. William and Mary's accession drove him from office, leaving his intended naval history unwritten.
Notable Point · 1:46:33-1:47:59
Pepys, the Popish Plot and royal patronage
Pepys's naval career depended on political protection and survived imprisonment before a change of monarchy ended his public service.