Journey Through Time 22. The Great Fire: London Rises From The Ashes (Ep 2)
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Jul 30, 2025 Explore the fiery chaos of the Great Fire of London, where flames reached a staggering 1,700 degrees Celsius. Discover the psychological scars left on survivors and their struggle to cope with the devastation. Hear about King Charles II's urgent firefighting measures and the human instincts that emerged amidst panic. Unpack the scapegoating of an innocent man in the aftermath, and witness the community's resilience as they rebuilt, with St. Paul's Cathedral emerging as a powerful symbol of rebirth and hope.
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Psychological Trauma of The Fire
- The Great Fire of London lasted over four days, causing psychological trauma to survivors.
- People initially were stupefied, unable to act effectively against the scale of the fire.
Pepys' Buried Wine and Cheese
- Samuel Pepys famously buried wine, cheese, and money to protect them from the fire.
- There's no record he ever recovered them, adding a human and humorous touch to the disaster.
Fire Spread Fueled Suspicion
- The fire spread unpredictably, jumping distances due to embers carried by winds.
- This led to confusion and suspicion that the fire was an act of sabotage or terrorism.
