
The Great Fire of London
Dan Snow's History Hit
00:00
The Catastrophic Blaze: 1666's Great Fire of London
This chapter explores the devastating living conditions in London during the 1660s, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the Great Plague and the backdrop of the Great Fire. It examines the pivotal events leading up to the fire, including the role of a baker named Thomas Fariner, the impact of environmental conditions, and the initial ineffective responses from city officials. The narrative reflects on personal accounts of the disaster, including those of Samuel Pepys, while highlighting the chaos, misconceptions, and societal tensions that arose in the wake of the catastrophe.
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