Great Fire of London Exhibitions, Celebrations And Events To Mark 350th Anniversary

The inferno raged for three whole days

A small fire began in the bakery of Thomas Farriner, on Puddling Lane, on the night of Thursday, 2 September 1666.

Although Farriner claimed to have extinguished it, his whole house was ablaze by 1am and the fire quickly spread down the street and onto nearby Fish Hill.

Closely-packed buildings made from timber and pitch burnt easily and the fire was helped by winds, swallowing up much of the city.

View looking towards the west facade of old St Paul's Cathedral, seen from Blackfriars, slightly south of Ludgate
View looking towards the west facade of old St Paul's Cathedral, seen from Blackfriars, slightly south of Ludgate
Heritage Images via Getty Images

By the time the blaze was finally beaten - after three days - 13,200 houses, 87 parish churches, The Royal Exchange, Guildhall and St. Paul’s Cathedral had all been destroyed by what would come to be known as The Great Fire of London.

Now 350 years on, the capital will mark this monumental disaster with a series of special events. Here are just some highlights - for a full set of listings, click here.

London’s Burning

A festival of art installations, performances and talks running from 30 August to 4 September.

Old St Paul's Cathedral burns
Old St Paul's Cathedral burns
Heritage Images via Getty Images

Taking part in landmark locations across the Square Mile, the programme includes an underwater performance artwork at Broadgate, a domino-like sculpture which traces the paths of the fire and an immersive Fire Garden on the lawn at Tate Modern.

On the final day, a representation of 17 century London will be set alight on the River Thames.

The destruction of Brooks's Wharf, Upper Thames Street
The destruction of Brooks's Wharf, Upper Thames Street
Universal History Archive via Getty Images

Fire! Fire!

An interactive exhibition at the Museum of London revealing the capital before, during and after the Great Fire, which runs until 17 April 2017.

Further events being hosted by the museum include family walks, family festivals, daily storytelling, object handing and twilight strolls followed by cocktails.

Fleeing the Great Fire of London
Fleeing the Great Fire of London
Hulton Archive via Getty Images

St Paul’s Cathedral

A series of walks, talks, tours, special sermons and debates will take place until April 2017.

A Fire Tour will enable you to hear how raging inferno made the Cathedral stones “explode like grenades” and see objects that survived the blaze.

Chelsea Physic Garden

On 2 September actors in 17 century costume will host garden tours with a Shakespearean twist. An outdoor performance of Richard III performed by the Handlebards will conclude the evening.

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