The Great Fire of London in 1666 was a huge event in history, and at our workshops, the children are often full of questions; from how it started to the aftermath…Here are some of our most frequently discussed topics!
Where and how did The Great Fire of London start?
The Great Fire of London started in a bakery on Pudding Lane owned by Thomas Farriner. On the night of 2nd September 1666, a spark from the oven ignited some firewood, and the flames quickly spread.
During the Great Fire of London in 1666, Samuel Pepys played a significant role in recording the events as they unfolded. He witnessed the fire's spread and documented his experiences and observations in his diary, offering invaluable insights into the catastrophe. His accounts describe the panic, the efforts to control the blaze, and the aftermath of the destruction. Pepys' detailed and vivid entries are one of the most important historical sources for understanding the Great Fire of London and its impact on the city.
One of our most popular role play activities including writing with a quill as Samuel Pepys would have done.
How long did it last?
The fire burned for four days, from 2nd to 6th September 1666. It destroyed a huge part of the city, including 87 churches, 13,200 houses, and many important buildings like the Royal Exchange and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Why did it spread so quickly?
One reason the fire spread so quickly was because London’s streets were narrow and the houses were made of wood. The flames leapt from one building to another, and the windy weather made things worse.
People tried to escape the fire by any means necessary. They filled boats and barges on the River Thames with their belongings. Some even buried their possessions to keep them safe from the flames.
There was no fire brigade in 1666…
People used leather buckets, axes, and fire hooks (long poles with hooks) to try to pull down houses and stop the fire from spreading. They also used gunpowder to blow up buildings and create firebreaks.
The Monument to the Fire on Pudding Lane
To remember the Great Fire, a monument was built near Pudding Lane. Known simply as “The Monument,” it stands 202 feet tall – the exact distance from its base to the site of Thomas Farriner’s bakery where the fire started. You can climb 311 steps to the top for a great view of London.
Rebuilding London After The Fire
After the fire, London had to be completely rebuilt. Sir Christopher Wren, a famous architect, designed many of the new buildings, including the new St. Paul’s Cathedral. The new city was built with wider streets and houses made of brick and stone to prevent future fires.
Before the Great Fire, London had been suffering from the Great Plague. Many people believed the fire was a punishment from God, but it actually helped get rid of the plague by killing many of the rats and fleas that spread the disease.
London, today…
When you walk around London today, you can still find “fire markers” – plaques and symbols that show the extent of the Great Fire. These markers help tell the story of how far the flames reached and the areas that were affected.
Want to know more?
Our Great Fire of London Mini Immersive Workshop is designed to bring history to life for young learners.
Available as mini workshops, these sessions offer an immersive historical experience using props, sounds, and role play activities, including writing with a quill as Samuel Pepys would have done.
For more details and to book your workshop, get in touch!
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