Empire The Great Fire of London
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Jul 24, 2025 David Olusoga, historian and co-host of Goalhanger’s Journey Through Time, explores the Great Fire of London’s catastrophic beginnings and the chaotic unraveling on September 2, 1666. He shares insights into Samuel Pepys, whose vivid diary gives a gripping eyewitness account. The conversation dives into the human toll, addressing the emotional turmoil faced by Londoners, and the unjust blame on minorities. Olusoga also connects historical events to modern behaviors, showcasing how crises shape societal reactions and personal actions, all framed by engaging anecdotes.
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Desperate Struggle Against Fire
- People moved their possessions multiple times as the fire spread through London.
- Exhausted, they fought the fire all day but woke to London still burning, demonstrating their desperation.
Scapegoating Amid The Fire
- The baker blamed for the fire was innocent and lived a normal life afterward.
- Foreigners were scapegoated amid wartime tensions, illustrating how blame fell on vulnerable groups.
False Confession and Justice
- Robert Hubert, a Frenchman likely mentally ill, confessed to starting the fire but was innocent.
- Judicial systems then sometimes enforced confessions through torture or forced self-destruction, showing a darker aspect of historical justice.