London is known for its rich history all over the world. It is full of stories about its kings and queens, wars and peace, constructions and innovation, building and monuments, culture and heritage and much more. From its history comes the story of one of the tragedies, known as the Great Fire of London. Though it happened many moons ago, London still has some spots that can reflect and show the signs of the great fire that caused so much damage to London city and its people.
The Great Fire of London was a huge conflagration that burnt through a massive part of central London. The fire went on for over 4 days taking many lives, damaging a major part of central London and making around 100,000 people homeless. The tragedy was massive.
Want to know how it happened? The fire started in the bakery at midnight and spread rapidly around the area. The then decision makers delayed in making a decision and the firefighting techniques of that time failed to act in time while the wind had turned it into a firestorm and all the rescue measures failed miserably. Rumours of who started the fire led to communal riots in the city. By the third and the fourth day the entire city was engulfed in fire. After the continuous efforts of firefighters, the dropping of strong east wind and the Tower of London using gunpowder to create fireworks to halt the further spreading of fire finally put an end to the deadly to this historic tragic event. It took years for the city to come over the socio-economic damage of the fire. After the fire, London was almost totally reconstructed.
The first thing to do when travelling with kids is to book yourself a comfortable and convenient hotel that offers facilities for families travelling and lodging with kids. You can book yourself a nice, comfortable and convenient stay at the Park Grand London Hyde Park. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a plethora of facilities and services that will make your stay very pleasant and easy if you are travelling with kids. From here you can easily access all the landmarks that hold importance in the great fire of London of 1666.
If you and your little one are interested in exploring the great fire then this walk is surely recommended for you. You can even book a guided tour for this experience or follow our guide for a self guided tour which can be more relaxed when exploring with kids. You can take your own breaks and see around at your and kid’s own pace. It will be a great adventure exploring the remaining narrow houses, streets and the mediaeval city plan which is very different from the metropolis London city of today.
Stop 1: Where to start.
It’s only obvious we start exploring from the place from where it all started. Yes, the Pudding Lane. This place was home to the bakery where the fire started. The fire started in the oven belonging to Thomas Farynor or Farriner, the family of the baker was awakened by thick smoke and were able to quickly evacuate. But their maid was scared to escape and unfortunately was the victim of the deadly fire. The final death toll was recorded to six or eight casualties but many believe more people lost their lives in the fire than recorded. Nothing buzzing happens on this street anymore but there’s still a plaque that marks the spot where the fire of 1666 began.
To explore more, book yourself a comfortable stay at the Park Grand Paddington Court London.
Stop 2: The Monument
Not so far from the pudding lane, where the fire began is the Monument also known as the Monument of the Great Fire of London. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1677, it has been renovated a couple of times in recent years. Situated near the Northern end of the London Bridge, it stands at the junction of Monument Street and Fish street hill. It is 202 feet (62m0 in height and 202 feet west of the spot in Pudding lane where the fire started. If you would lay it down it would reach the spot where the fire started. It is built on the site of St Margaret New Fish Street, which was the first church that was destroyed in the fire. You can climb the monument via steps to the top gallery to see the lovely views of the city. If you wish to trek up, you need to book tickets for this experience. For exploring all the important landmarks of the Great Fire of London, you can book a stay at one of the hotels near Lancaster Gate.
Stop 3: The Golden Boy Pye Corner
Next stop after the Monument is the Golden Boy of Pye Corner. This landmark is crucial as it marks the point near Smithfield where the fire was stopped in 1666. It is a small late-17th-century monument located on the corner of Giltspur Street and Cock Lane in Smithfield.
Stop 4: St. Paul’s Cathedral London
Easily accessible from the Park Grand London hotel, is today’s London iconic building the St. Paul’s Cathedral. It was already in need of some serious repairs before the fire broke out. But the fire destroyed it completely and today it stands as one of the main attractions and landmarks of London city. You can visit the cathedral from inside by booking your tickets. Better deals and disappointments can be avoided if you book in advance. The inside tour takes about two hours. This building is a perfect example of the rebuild that was done after the Great Fire of London. When you are in the area, you can enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the finest London restaurants in this area.
Stop 5: The Museum of London
If you want to learn more facts and see preserved things from the great fire of London, then head to the museum of London. This museum is free to visit and has a dedicated gallery to the great tragedy of the fire. From important people who helped while the firestorm was destroying the city, to those who rebuilt the city, it is the most ideal place to learn it all.
Explore, learn, see and experience all that happened during and after the Great Fire of London. You and your kids will love exploring the history of London.
