London, Londoners and the Great Fire of 1666

This insightful examination of a historic disaster reveals the extensive social and cultural impacts of the Great Fire of 1666 on London and its inhabitants.

This book draws on a variety of qualitative and quantitative sources to delve into the profound social, economic, and cultural repercussions of the Great Fire of 1666, a catastrophic event that reshaped London. By placing the responses to the fire within the framework of prevailing trends in early modern England, the author provides a comprehensive examination of how this disaster influenced the lives of Londoners and the city’s development. The narrative also highlights the interconnectedness of the fire's aftermath with broader national trends, offering a holistic view of its significance.

London, Londoners and the Great Fire of 1666 emphasizes the often-overlooked human aspect of this disaster. While much attention has been paid to the physical damage inflicted upon the city, the book systematically utilizes a wealth of manuscript sources to reveal how individuals and communities coped with the aftermath. It explores their reactions, resilience, and the ways in which the fire catalyzed social and cultural changes in seventeenth-century London, providing a richer understanding of the event's legacy.

Moreover, the book extends its analysis beyond London, investigating the fire's repercussions throughout the country and its role as a significant rhetorical device in the political discourse of the eighteenth century. By weaving together personal stories and broader societal shifts, London, Londoners and the Great Fire of 1666 presents a multifaceted exploration of one of history's most pivotal urban disasters.