Present
The Great Fire of London

Society and politics

The social context of the fire and its repercussions across the country and beyond.

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Chapter 01

A city and country full of tension and fears

London was still recovering from the Great Plague the year before. Wars and religious tensions added to people’s fears.

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Before the fire

London was recovering from the Great Plague of 1664-65.

Before the fire: war

England was at war with France and the Netherlands. English and Dutch ships were on the brink of battle at the beginning of September 1666.

Before the fire: religious tensions

Most people in England were Protestant, and prejudice against the Catholic minority was common.

Chapter 02

Scapegoats and recovery

Faced with the enormity of the fire’s devastation, a fearful population tried to find someone to blame. However, getting London back on its feet was a more immediate concern.

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During the fire

With little news from London, the whole country wondered what might be happening in the capital.

After the fire: trade relations

Merchants across the country and overseas were concerned about how the fire would affect trade.

After the fire: a financial centre

It was important to get the City of London, a centre for trade, on its feet again.

22 January 1667

War and religious tensions had bred mistrust. An official investigation presented evidence on who was to blame for the fire.

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