‘The saddest sight of desolation that I ever saw’ Samuel Pepys
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
This one’s ablaze with great guiding.
And don’t just take it from us. Here’s what walker David Morley said about Catherine (and the walk) in his February 19, 2025 review: “Catherine was an absolute delight: knowledgeable, friendly and a great communicator. We knew next to nothing about this subject but Catherine brings the subject to life. The tour provides a great insight into Stuart London, the progress of the fire and Samuel Pepys. Highly recommended!”
Short read: Let’s join Samuel Pepys, Special Correspondent for Posterity. Sam’s on the scene. We’re beside him.
Long Read: The Great Fire of London. An iconic event in the city’s history. It may have happened over 350 years ago but thanks to the famous diarist Samuel Pepys, we still have an essentially ‘live’ hour-by-hour report of the Great Fire as it spread through London in September 1666.
This walk follows the progress of the Great Fire from east to west, landmark by landmark, as Pepys experienced it. His home near the Tower of London from where he first saw the Fire in the middle of the night and thought it not worth bothering about.
The Tower of London which he climbed to get a better view of the Fire. A secret little courtyard where a church once stood whose burning spire caused panic among the onlookers. The street where the Lord Mayor ‘cried like a fainting woman’, as Pepys savagely described it.
We will discover what remains of Pudding Lane where the Fire began, examine the famous Monument* commemorating it…
And see the first church to burn down, rebuilt and still standing today.
We pass St Paul’s Cathedral (famously burnt down and rebuilt by the great Sir Christopher Wren)…
And end within sight of the place where the Fire was finally halted after raging for four days, burning down 13,200 houses and 87 parish churches.
And of course we’ll hear the intriguing story, which every British schoolchild knows, of what Samuel Pepys buried in his garden!
*Learning to read this image – decipher it – is, all by itself, worth the price of admission!
Angela & Mike –
This was one of the very best London walks that we have done so far. We loved being taken to many of the quiet back streets as well as London landmarks, all connected to the Great Fire of 1666. Catherine’s enthusiasm for her subject shone through in her delivery. I now want to read the Samuel Pepys book, The Unequalled Self as well as The White Phoenix written by Catherine.
Jim and Kelly –
The weather was the only distraction on our Great Fire tour. Catherine put her Oxford education to work taking us from East to West along the fire’s path. Looking forward to our next walk.
Joanna McPhail –
We have done many guided walks over the years and this tops them all. Catherine’s expert knowledge was so impressive and her enthusiasm coupled with her ability to answer every question with another fascinating fact made for a most enjoyable morning. Our group was made up of all ages and everyone clearly enjoyed it just as much as us. Looking forward to booking another of Catherine’s walks on our return.
David Munves –
Catherine provided a great historical tour of a seminal event in London’s history. She was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and able to bring the events of the time to life. I’d highly recommend it!
Sally Stewart –
My granddaughter , aged 7 , and I really enjoyed the walk. Catherine is very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. We will look out for other tours she may do
Sarah Handscomb –
I am 7 years old. I thought it may be boring, but Catherine really brought it to life by her wonderful stories. Thank you for including me. ❤️
David Morley –
Catherine was an absolute delight: knowledgeable, friendly and a great communicator. We knew next to nothing about this subject but Catherine brings the subject to life. The tour provides a great insight into Stuart London, the progress of the fire and Samuel Pepys. Highly recommended!
Ilana –
Catherine was a wonderful , enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who led us on a journey back in time, bringing to life the events of 1666 in a n engaging and lively way and uncovering many hidden city gems.
Thank you for such a lovely morning !
Hazel –
Thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating walk. Catherine is a wonderful story teller, knowing her subject inside out, she made it fun and highly informative. Her enthusiasm brings the history to life, would recommend to all ages.
Louise Freeman –
An excellent walk with a great storyteller who brought the medieval city to life around the modern buildings. Recommended.