

19. The Wrath of God: England’s Greatest Natural Disaster (Ep 2)
Jul 16, 2025
The podcast dives into the terrifying aftermath of the Great Storm of 1703. It contrasts the devastation with the heroic stories of survivors, revealing the challenges they faced. The discussion highlights Daniel Defoe's intriguing journey from a struggling merchant to an iconic author, shaped by this disaster. The conversation also wrestles with themes of morality and divine judgment, exploring how society interpreted the storm as a sign of retribution. Lastly, it reflects on resilience and the importance of acknowledging this calamity in history.
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Storm as Divine Judgment
- The Great Storm of 1703 was seen contemporaneously as a divine judgment on England.
- It was the most devastating natural disaster in England and Wales' history at the time.
Londoners Face Storm Aftermath
- Londoners emerged after the storm, faces showing shock, to check on friends and family and assess the damage.
- The devastation was so extreme it was like waking up after a night of bombing, with familiar buildings missing.
Chimneys as Deadly Hazards
- Collapsing chimneys were a major cause of death on land during the storm.
- Since chimneys were large brick structures, their fall often brought down entire houses.