Ah, London! The city with a pulse that ebbs and flows, where history and modernity collide at every turn. If you’re wandering the streets and feel the urge to kick up some cobblestones while chatting about one of its most dramatic events, you’ll want to talk about the Great Fire of London. Picture this: it’s 1666, and the city is ablaze. Talk about a shocking Tinder date gone wrong! Let’s trace those flames, shall we?
First off, let me recommend starting your fiery escapade at the Shard. Standing tall like a glass needle, it gives you a stunning view of the Thames and the city. Standing up there, I couldn’t help but wonder how the skyline would have appeared back in 1666. Spoiler: there were a whole lot fewer buildings. Most were made of wood and packed in close together. Like a can of sardines but burning!
The Great Fire started on September 2nd, in a bakery on Pudding Lane. Fancy that! A bakery. Makes you question your late-night snack habits – just one more biscuit could spell doom! As you stroll down Pudding Lane, just imagine the chaos. Keeping a straight face was clearly easier said than done for the poor baker, Thomas Farriner, who literally baked his clientele into one heck of a nightmare.
After your obligatory Instagram pic in front of Pudding Lane (seriously, you can’t come to London and not do this), head towards the Great Fire of London Monument—or simply “The Monument.” It’s a towering column, 202 feet tall, and if you don’t get dizzy climbing the 311 steps up to the viewing platform, hats off to you! When I went, I thought I was climbing a weirdly invigorating set of stairs to a tiny gym. Instead, I ended up with a view worth a thousand calories. The burnt orange sunset against the Thames? Unreal.
Now, as you’re wandering around central London, keep your eyes peeled. There’s lots of intricate detail hiding in the architecture. Many buildings display "fire marks"—little badges that once indicated which insurance company covered them. They were a thing of pride back in the day; you’d want your house to sport a fancy emblem just like you’d strut a designer handbag today.
The fire lasted four long days, wiping out about 13,200 houses and leaving nearly 70,000 people homeless. In the aftermath, however, something incredible occurred. The city learned a lesson from all that charred wood and ash. Regulations kicked in like an overzealous fire marshal. Buildings were rebuilt sturdier and more spacious, paving the way for the iconic architecture we see in London now.
Actually, you’ll find a fun little section of the city that follows the fire’s path—the City of London has lovely markers embedded in the pavement. They literally trace the route the flames took! As you step along, you’ll feel like a flame detective piecing together history. Make sure to snap a pic with those markers—it’s a quirky way to show your friends a piece of the past that’s often overlooked.
Now, onto the essentials. You’ve walked, you’ve climbed, and all this history is making you thirsty. A cup of tea, right? Oh, sweet dear tea gods, I wish I had a better story here. I stopped by a nearby café promising “the best Earl Grey in town,” but let’s just say it tasted like they brewed it in a garden hose. Not all who wander (into cafés) find good tea, I suppose! My lips were ready to curdle, and I ended up with a scone that could’ve been used as a doorstop. Check your local recommendations—trust your fellow travellers!
While you’re sipping (or grimacing) over your tea, think about this: Sir Christopher Wren, the genius behind St. Paul’s Cathedral, rebuilt much of London after the fire. He’s like the city’s dad coming in to fix your Lego tower when your younger sibling accidentally sat on it. You might think, “Ah! What’s the big deal?” Well, he designed not only St. Paul’s but also around 50 other churches! Honestly, next time I’m having a rough day, I’m gonna channel my inner Wren. Because if you can design churches after a flaming disaster, you can surely tackle that pile of laundry.
Now, let’s not forget the mighty Thames. As you stroll along the river, you’ll find the Museum of London, where you can learn more about the Great Fire and its impacts. Honestly, I spent hours there! They have everything from fire pumps to stunning artworks depicting the inferno. Plus, you can escape the madness of city life and really immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of London’s history.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a public lecture or a quirky exhibition there. They sometimes get visitors interacting with displays—yes, you could see a live reenactment of that tragic bakery fire (albeit in a non-house-burning way, thank goodness)!
So, if you’re up for some fiery tales and a touch of London’s quirky charm, tracing the flames of the Great Fire is a must. From Pudding Lane to The Monument, the pieces of this narrative are scattered throughout the city. You’ll walk through history, taste the modern (or decidedly not-so-modern) flavours of London, and maybe even spark a conversation with a stranger about your encounters. A random chat is just the cherry on top.
And remember, don’t take life too seriously—after all, the Great Fire just shows things can get hot! So the next time you’re in London, grab that cuppa (taste-test it first, please), explore the charming streets, and give a nod to the flames that once roared through this bustling city.
Now, what’s your favourite historical event from London? Share your tales or the best cuppa you’ve ever had in the comments below—can’t wait to read them!
