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.
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.
Neil –
Catherine was very knowledgeable and provided some superb information on the fire of London walk – well worth doing.
Lucinda –
I took two of my granddaughters aged 11 and 6 and we all thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Catherine is a great guide – super knowledgeable and friendly. We were thrilled to be able to buy her book too!
Billy –
A brilliant tour in which Catherine brought to life the story of the Fire of London through following the movement of the Fire itself and several notable figures during the event, including Samuel Pepys, whose diary entries were read out to enrich the backdrop of the time period. I was reminded of learning about the Fire during primary school, as well as learning lots of new context about the event through Catherine’s passionate and entertaining narration. I’d highly recommend this tour.
Lucy Thirtle –
Catherine adds so many details to the broad story that many of us will know. Samuel Pepys was the ‘on the ground’ reporter/ journalist of his day and Catherine’s use of his writings brings events alive as they unfold. Catherine’s fascination with the story and the subject are palpable and makes her a most absorbing and insightful guide. Being reminded of its history as one walks through the streets of a city now pulsating with modern life makes this a most enjoyable walk.