Walking Tour - A Dreadful Bow of Flame: The Great Fire of London

In September 1666 a great conflagration swept through the City of London. It destroyed over 13,000 houses, making nearly 100,000 homeless. It ripped through the buildings that made the City work: the churches, the Livery Company Halls and the trading centres and truly was an epoch making event in the City’s history.

But in the retelling of the events of those 4 – 5 days of devastation, much myth and muddle has come down to us. Richard’s walk attempts to see through the smoke and unravel the true drama of those days: We start where the fire broke out. We visit some of the great churches and other sites affected as we follow the fire’s course. And look at the roles of some of the great players in the events from Pepys to Mayor Bludworth to James, the Duke of York.

Starting point: Monument Station, outside exit on Fish Hill Street.