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.
Robert Thirtle –
Ironically enough, our meeting with Catherine at the start of this walk coincided with a Fire Evacuation practice from the nearby offices which, in retrospect, seemed rather fitting.
Over the next two hours we were led on a journey through the streets where the Great Fire had raged nearly 360 years ago, travelling from east to west just as the fire itself had done, and imagining the chaos and panic that must have ensued as the flames took hold. Our guide, 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. Altogether a really wonderful experience and one that I would highly recommend to anyone with any interest in London and its history.
David Cloake –
David C
I went, with my family, to enjoy this insight into the life of our own city and Catherine was a total gem. Her knowledge is without question, but it was brought to life by her enthusiasm and her natural talent of storytelling. Our children received as much from the tour as their parents and it’s to Catherine’s credit that she could keep us all rapt! I learned a great deal and highly recommend this tour, and in particular with Catherine, to anyone with an interest in London or this aspect of its fascinating history!
David Jones –
Catherine is a brilliant guide – informative, enthusiastic and engaging. On the scene at the Great Fire of London is a fantastic and immersive way to learn so much about the fire, Samuel Pepys and some of London’s most famous landmarks while also discovering some hidden gems. Highly recommend this walk.
Emma Slater –
A really fun morning exploring London of old. Our guide Catherine took us from the fire’s inception through its progress over subsequent days and the efforts made to curtail it. Lots of interesting facts, accounts and details and we particularly enjoyed visiting the varied landmarks against the backdrop of the modern city. Some things I have walked past many times without properly noticing. Would highly recommend!
Joanna –
We thoroughly enjoyed ‘On the scene at the Great Fire of London’. Cathy brings the history and circumstances of the Great Fire of London to life with her expert knowledge and readings from Samuel Pepy’s diaries. It was a really fun walk and Cathy’s enthusiasm is infectious. Highly recommended!!
Alice –
I loved this walk. Like many people, I knew the basics. 1666! Pudding Lane! But Catherine was an engaging and enthusiastic guide and her knowledge brought the subject to life vividly. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I discovered some new and shocking information about the Monument and St Paul’s. Book now – you won’t be disappointed!
Karen Kedem –
Catherine was knowledgeable, entertaining, intriguing and the tour was a fabulous experience. I brought my 13year old granddaughter with me who had read her book, The White Phoenix, and she too thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Highly recommended.
Hannah Taylor –
A fascinating and insightful tour, expertly narrated by Catherine. It was a really enjoyable experience, taking in many parts of London that you’d normally very easily walk past/miss. A great way to spend a morning in London – would highly recommend!
Vivienne –
A very illuminating walk. Catherine dealt with a large group extremely well, had a real passion gor the subject and was both informative and interesting.
Susan Searle –
The use of Samuel Pepys diaries to help to tell the story of the fire works really well – Catherine brings the story to life, a fun walk with a very clearly spoken guide – I will be recommending to lots of friends – it’s a key part of londons history and should not be missed !