Great Fire of London at Museum of London

Summary

The Great Fire of London, which began on September 2, 1666, in Pudding Lane, resulted in the devastation of 436 acres of the city. Despite the extensive damage to buildings and possessions, the death toll remained remarkably low, suggesting people found safety. Archaeological findings, such as fused iron hooks and the 'Great Fire Horizon' layer of debris, reveal the fire's intense heat. Artistic depictions and eyewitness accounts further illustrate the human struggle and drama during this catastrophic event.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The Great Fire of London began on September 2, 1666, in Thomas Farriner's bakery on Pudding Lane.
• 🌪️ The fire started during a storm with strong winds from the east, which contributed to its rapid spread.
• 🏙️ Over the course of four days, the fire engulfed the city, destroying approximately 436 acres of London.
• 🏰 St Paul's Cathedral was among the many structures that were burnt during the disaster.
• 💀 Despite the extensive damage, only around six deaths were recorded, suggesting that people had time to escape.
• 🔍 Archaeological findings, such as corroded iron hooks and eyes, indicate the intense heat of the fire.
• 🗑️ The 'Great Fire Horizon' is a layer of burnt debris found in the City of London, containing objects left behind during the fire.
• 🏚️ Debris from the fire was often pushed into cellars and built over, preserving a sealed layer of disaster debris.
• 🎨 Artistic depictions of the fire provide additional evidence, with some paintings suggesting the artists may have witnessed the event.
• 🛶 Paintings show people along the Thames attempting to escape with their belongings, highlighting the human aspect of the disaster.
• 🌡️ The fire's temperature was so high that it melted ceramics, requiring temperatures over 1200 degrees Celsius.

Q & A

When did the Great Fire of London begin?

The Great Fire of London began on Sunday, the 2nd of September, 1666.

Where did the fire start?

The fire started in Thomas Farriner's bakery located in Pudding Lane.

What time did the fire begin?

The fire began around one o'clock in the morning.

What factors contributed to the rapid spread of the fire?

The fire spread rapidly due to most of London being asleep and the presence of a strong storm wind blowing from the east.

How many days did the fire last?

The fire lasted for over four days.

What significant building was destroyed by the fire?

St Paul's Cathedral was destroyed by the fire.

Approximately how many acres of London were destroyed by the fire?

The fire destroyed about 436 acres of London.

Why is there a discrepancy between the scale of the disaster and the number of recorded deaths?

The discrepancy is likely due to people having time to get out to safety, despite the extensive damage to buildings and belongings.

What archaeological evidence was found in Pudding Lane in 1979 related to the Great Fire?

Archaeologists found a lump of corroded iron hooks and eyes that had softened and fused together due to the heat of the fire.

What is the 'Great Fire Horizon'?

The 'Great Fire Horizon' is a layer of burnt debris found in the City of London, containing objects left behind by people during the fire.

What can the objects found in the Great Fire Horizon tell us about the fire?

The objects can tell us about the intensity of the fire, as some, like ceramic jars, show signs of melting which requires temperatures over 1200 degrees.

How do the paintings from the time of the Great Fire contribute to our understanding of the event?

The paintings, possibly created by artists who witnessed the fire, provide an accurate depiction of the human drama and the efforts of people to escape with their belongings.