The Blitz: The Great Fire of London and the second great Fire of London


The City of London has experienced many fires during its 2000 year old history and on this walk we will hear of the two catastrophic events of the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the Blitz - 8 months of sustained bombing on the City of London by the German Luftwaffe from September 1940 - May 1941.

Following a summer heatwave and a drought, the fire that started in a bakery in Pudding Lane in the early hours of September 2nd 1666 soon became a firestorm. Burning for four days and four nights, it left the City of London in ashes and the people of London without any of their familiar landmarks.  

‘The people who now walked about the ruins, appeared like men in some dismal desert, or in some great City laid waste by a cruel enemy’ - we have eyewitness accounts of the Great Fire as it was happening from Diarists John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys.

When the fire finally stopped it had burnt 80% of the City - 13,200 homes, 87 churches, 52 Livery Halls, the Royal Exchange, St Paul’s cathedral and the Guildhall roof - leaving 100,000 people homeless.

274 years later, during the second World War, the City of London burned again. More than 25,000 civilians died and, once again, thousands were made homeless. 13 of Sir Christopher Wren’s churches were destroyed on one night alone - Sunday 29th December 1940 which became known as the ‘Second Great Fire of London’.

Let me walk you through the streets and talk of the devastation that both these events caused. Hear stories of bravery from Londoners who were on fire watch at St Paul’s Cathedral, the inept Lord Mayor of London’s response to the Great Fire of 1666 and discover how the City of London was rebuilt from the ashes each time it was destroyed.

Itinerary to include:

The Firefighter’s memorial Southern transept St Paul’s Cathedral *Paternoster Square* Guildhall Yard *The River from the riverbank at London Bridge* Monument.

The walk will last approximately 2 hours.

Start:  Outside the CIC - City Information Centre  (near the north end of the Millenium Bridge (St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8BX)

End:   Monument  - (Circle and District Line),  Fish street Hill, London EC3R 8AH.

FAQs

How much does a ticket cost?

A private tour with Jenny costs £200 for a two-hour session. For public tours, the price is £20 per person. Please check the specific tour details for any variations in pricing.

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How many tours does Jenny offer?

Jenny offers a variety of tours, including:

  • Roman Londinium

  • The Great Fire of London and The Blitz

  • History of HERstory

  • City Highlights

  • The Old and the New

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Are the tours suitable for children?

Yes, Jenny's tours are family-friendly and suitable for children. She tailors the content to be engaging and educational for all ages. If you have any specific requirements or concerns, please let Jenny know in advance.

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As Time Goes By London- jenny@astimegoesbylondon.com

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