The Great Fire of London2nd Sept 1666

The Great Fire of London

Why did the fire spread so fast?The bakery was situated close to warehouses which held tallow, oil, spirits and

hemp. Along the wharves coal, timber and hay lay in heaps.Why did the fire spread so far?

A long hot summer had left London dry with depleted water reserves, also the persistent east wind spread the flames.Why did the fire stay alight for so long?

The fire was fed by overhanging timber houses in narrow streets, with nothing to stop the flames.

The Streets

How would you describe this street scene?

Narrow streets with dry wooden

overhanging shops and houses

The Great Fire of London

What is happening here?

The strong east wind fanned the flames causing the fire to spread very fast

The Great Fire of London

What is happening here?

Lots of people including Samuel Pepys tried to escape by boat on the River Thames

Images of London alight

Great Fire of London

What is happening here?

Fire hooks are being used to remove parts of the roof, and buckets of water are

being passed up ladders to the men on the roof

What was Destroyed?

13,200 Homes

St Paul’s Cathedral

87 Churches and 6 chapels

373 acres of the city

100,000 people made homeless

And much, much more

Damaged cause by the Great Fire of London compared to the Blitz of World War II

Fire Mark

Fire Marks were made of iron, and placed on the walls of houses after the

Great Fire. They showed the house was insured also which fire station

should attend

The Monument

Commemorates London ‘rising again’ after the Great

Fire

Could the Great Fire Happen again?

Unlikely because:

London’s houses were rebuilt with bricks and mortar, further apart.The streets and roads are wider.London has 112 fire stations, with 215 fire engines also special water carriers and hydraulic platforms.The London Fire Brigade is the 4 largest in the world.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue

West Sussex has 25 fire stations and 40 fire engines.

Henfield fire brigade was formed in 1906, with a horse drawn fire appliance.

This is a picture of the first Henfield appliance.

Look outside for today’s model

Bucket Chain

Now it’s your turn to form a bucket chain!

Any questions?