This one’s ablaze.
And the guiding? Incendiary.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
But don’t just take it from us. London Walker Robert Thistle (September 22, 2024): “Catherine brought the story of the Great Fire thrillingly to life with a range of fascinating facts and insights, excerpts from Samuel Pepys’ famous diary, and with her natural flair for storytelling and her obvious passion for the subject. I found myself looking at the buildings and streets in an entirely different light, as Catherine pointed out details, inscriptions and curiosities along the route that I would never otherwise have seen. A wonderful experience.”
‘The saddest sight of desolation that I ever saw’ Samuel Pepys
Short read:
Join Samuel Pepys. He’s on the scene. Middle of the night. September 1666. Smoke in the air. The City burning. We’re beside him.
Long Read: The Great Fire of London. Four days that changed the city forever. Thirteen thousand houses gone. Eighty-seven parish churches reduced to ash. St Paul’s Cathedral — destroyed.
And because of one man — the greatest diarist London ever produced — we have the fire live, hour by hour.
On this walk we follow the flames east to west. Landmark by landmark. As Pepys saw it.
His house near the Tower, where he first glimpsed the blaze — and went back to bed.
The Tower of London, which he climbed for a better view as the skyline turned red.
A hidden courtyard where a church once stood — its burning spire sending panic through the crowds.
The street where the Lord Mayor ‘cried like a fainting woman.’
We stand in Pudding Lane.
We examine the Monument — and learn to read it properly. (Deciphering it alone is worth the price of admission.)
We pass St Paul’s — lost, reborn, Wren’s masterpiece rising from the ashes.
And we finish within sight of where the fire was finally stopped — the moment London refused to burn any further.
And yes — you’ll hear the extraordinary story of what Pepys buried in his garden.
With Catherine, this isn’t just 1666.
It’s heat.
It’s panic.
It’s London on the brink.
And you’re in the middle of it.
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.
Mike Thexton –
A great story, well told – Catherine’s knowledge and enthusiasm really brought everything to life. Really interesting, informative and enjoyable, and an intriguing wander around some of the backstreets of the city.