Students at a Peterborough area school have voted to drop Samuel Pepys’s name from one of their houses after recent diary revelations suggest the 17th century figure was a sex offender.

The decision was taken at Hitchingbrooke School to remove his name from one of its pastoral houses after a fresh study into the naval administrator’s diary revealed “abusive and exploitative” behaviour towards women.

Pepys, a former student of the school in the 1640s – then known as Huntingdon Grammar – is famed by historians for documenting the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London of 1666 in his diary.

However, after some reflection and a “healthy debate” about some of Pepys more disturbing diary entries, pupils voted to find an alternative figurehead.

The move comes following a study by British historian Guy de la Bédoyère who decoded extracts which Pepys had tried to conceal by writing certain entries in ‘Franglais’ and an early form of shorthand.

These include graphic details about his underage wife, violence towards her, and sexual assaults on multiple other women.

Despite the move to remove his name from one of its pastoral houses, Hitchingbrooke School states it is still “proud” of its historical association with the famous figure.

Andy Hunter, Principal of Hinchingbrooke School, said: “Recent research highlighting aspects of Samuel Pepys’s behaviour towards women, recorded in his own diaries, prompted us to consider whether his name should continue to appear as one of the icons of our house system.

Hitchingbrooke School will drop the name 'Pepys' from one of its houses after students voted to find an alternative figurehead.

“Following a period of consultation, the school voted by 1,764 votes to 1,054 to look for a new figurehead for Pepys House. I am proud of the way that the school community conducted itself over the course of this process; the students have been curious, reflective and, above all, respectful throughout."

He added: “There are no plans to rename the Pepys building, nor to change long-established references such as the Pepys Stairs. These aspects were never under consideration. The school maintains a strong and valued historical association with Samuel Pepys and remains proud of that connection.”

A school spokesperson added: “The consultation process was designed to be open and aimed not to prescribe one particular viewpoint, but to encourage critical thinking and respectful debate.

“Throughout the process, students were presented with a balanced view of Samuel Pepys’ life and legacy, including his significant historical achievements as well as his self-documented personal failings.

“Following the outcome of this vote, the school will now begin the process of developing a shortlist of potential alternative figureheads for Pepys House.”