Date: January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007
Time: Monday to Saturday – 10.00 AM - 5.30 PM; Sunday – 12.00 PM - 5.30 PM

An exhibition at Museum of London displays the true story of the Great fire of London in 1666. The exhibition will provide information on the fire-fighters who fought against the fire with primitive hand-pumped machinery. With the assistance of archaeological findings and displays, one can be transported to the fire in London that destroyed 13,200 buildings.

On 2nd September,1666, the medieval London was set in ablaze for 5 days and an area of 373 acres inside the city wall and 63 acres outside the city wall had turned into ashes. The fire started in the house and shop of Thomas Faynor, baker to King Charles II in Pudding Lane. The buildings in London in the medieval period were half timbered constructed and mostly had thatched roof tops which added in the spreading of fire. Moreover, strong easterly winds hindered the flames to be blown off. There was little to be done to stop the fire from spreading. The Great Fire in 1666 in London city laid the foundations for organized firefighting. Timber woods and thatched houses were replaced by bricks and stones for the construction of houses and buildings. The Great Fire in 1666 changed the face of London forever.

The exhibition, which will continue until winter 2009, is divided into three sections. The first section explores the medieval London city overcrowded with wood-built houses and where people used candles and fire for light and warmth. The second section presents video-based personal experiences of the fire based on the accounts of Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn. The final section presents the aftermath and legacy of the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The exhibition also displays the bread oven very much like the one in Pudding Lane, shards of buckled glass, and pieces of pottery. Next to the showcase is a quayside with the belongings of the people who fled the burning city. Among the belongings are bags, trunks, rocking horses and a keyboard instrument.

The exhibition is a major attraction among primary-school aged children who are excited by the drawings, magnetic poetries and helmets.

Venue details:
Museum of London
150 London Wall
London
EC2Y 5HN

Access: The nearest tube station is Barbican tube.