Citing poor eyesight as a reason, Samuel Pepys records the last event in his diary.

Samuel Pepys was an English writer and Tory politician. He served as an official in the Navy Board and Member of Parliament, but is most remembered today for the diary he kept for almost a decade. Though he had no maritime experience, Pepys rose to be the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under both Charles II and James II through patronage, diligence, and his talent for administration. His influence and reforms at the English Admiralty were important in the early professionalisation of the Royal Navy.

May 31 is the 151st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 214 days remain until the end of the year.