‘The saddest sight of desolation that I ever saw’ Samuel Pepys
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
This one’s ablaze with great guiding.
And don’t just take it from us. Here’s what walker David Morley said about Catherine (and the walk) in his February 19, 2025 review: “Catherine was an absolute delight: knowledgeable, friendly and a great communicator. We knew next to nothing about this subject but Catherine brings the subject to life. The tour provides a great insight into Stuart London, the progress of the fire and Samuel Pepys. Highly recommended!”
Short read: Let’s join Samuel Pepys, Special Correspondent for Posterity. Sam’s on the scene. We’re beside him.
Long Read: The Great Fire of London. An iconic event in the city’s history. It may have happened over 350 years ago but thanks to the famous diarist Samuel Pepys, we still have an essentially ‘live’ hour-by-hour report of the Great Fire as it spread through London in September 1666.
This walk follows the progress of the Great Fire from east to west, landmark by landmark, as Pepys experienced it. His home near the Tower of London from where he first saw the Fire in the middle of the night and thought it not worth bothering about.
The Tower of London which he climbed to get a better view of the Fire. A secret little courtyard where a church once stood whose burning spire caused panic among the onlookers. The street where the Lord Mayor ‘cried like a fainting woman’, as Pepys savagely described it.
We will discover what remains of Pudding Lane where the Fire began, examine the famous Monument* commemorating it…
And see the first church to burn down, rebuilt and still standing today.
We pass St Paul’s Cathedral (famously burnt down and rebuilt by the great Sir Christopher Wren)…
And end within sight of the place where the Fire was finally halted after raging for four days, burning down 13,200 houses and 87 parish churches.
And of course we’ll hear the intriguing story, which every British schoolchild knows, of what Samuel Pepys buried in his garden!
*Learning to read this image – decipher it – is, all by itself, worth the price of admission!
David Munves –
Catherine provided a great historical tour of a seminal event in London’s history. She was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and able to bring the events of the time to life. I’d highly recommend it!
Sally Stewart –
My granddaughter , aged 7 , and I really enjoyed the walk. Catherine is very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. We will look out for other tours she may do
Sarah Handscomb –
I am 7 years old. I thought it may be boring, but Catherine really brought it to life by her wonderful stories. Thank you for including me. ❤️
David Morley –
Catherine was an absolute delight: knowledgeable, friendly and a great communicator. We knew next to nothing about this subject but Catherine brings the subject to life. The tour provides a great insight into Stuart London, the progress of the fire and Samuel Pepys. Highly recommended!
Ilana –
Catherine was a wonderful , enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who led us on a journey back in time, bringing to life the events of 1666 in a n engaging and lively way and uncovering many hidden city gems.
Thank you for such a lovely morning !
Hazel –
Thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating walk. Catherine is a wonderful story teller, knowing her subject inside out, she made it fun and highly informative. Her enthusiasm brings the history to life, would recommend to all ages.
Louise Freeman –
An excellent walk with a great storyteller who brought the medieval city to life around the modern buildings. Recommended.
Mike Thexton –
A great story, well told – Catherine’s knowledge and enthusiasm really brought everything to life. Really interesting, informative and enjoyable, and an intriguing wander around some of the backstreets of the city.
Neil –
Catherine was very knowledgeable and provided some superb information on the fire of London walk – well worth doing.
Lucinda –
I took two of my granddaughters aged 11 and 6 and we all thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Catherine is a great guide – super knowledgeable and friendly. We were thrilled to be able to buy her book too!