‘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!
Billy –
A brilliant tour in which Catherine brought to life the story of the Fire of London through following the movement of the Fire itself and several notable figures during the event, including Samuel Pepys, whose diary entries were read out to enrich the backdrop of the time period. I was reminded of learning about the Fire during primary school, as well as learning lots of new context about the event through Catherine’s passionate and entertaining narration. I’d highly recommend this tour.
Lucy Thirtle –
Catherine adds so many details to the broad story that many of us will know. Samuel Pepys was the ‘on the ground’ reporter/ journalist of his day and Catherine’s use of his writings brings events alive as they unfold. Catherine’s fascination with the story and the subject are palpable and makes her a most absorbing and insightful guide. Being reminded of its history as one walks through the streets of a city now pulsating with modern life makes this a most enjoyable walk.
Robert Thirtle –
Ironically enough, our meeting with Catherine at the start of this walk coincided with a Fire Evacuation practice from the nearby offices which, in retrospect, seemed rather fitting.
Over the next two hours we were led on a journey through the streets where the Great Fire had raged nearly 360 years ago, travelling from east to west just as the fire itself had done, and imagining the chaos and panic that must have ensued as the flames took hold. Our guide, Catherine, brought the story of the Great Fire thrillingly to life with a range of fascinating facts and insights, excerpts from Samuel Pepys’ famous diary, and with her natural flair for storytelling and her obvious passion for the subject. I found myself looking at the buildings and streets in an entirely different light, as Catherine pointed out details, inscriptions and curiosities along the route that I would never otherwise have seen. Altogether a really wonderful experience and one that I would highly recommend to anyone with any interest in London and its history.
David Cloake –
David C
I went, with my family, to enjoy this insight into the life of our own city and Catherine was a total gem. Her knowledge is without question, but it was brought to life by her enthusiasm and her natural talent of storytelling. Our children received as much from the tour as their parents and it’s to Catherine’s credit that she could keep us all rapt! I learned a great deal and highly recommend this tour, and in particular with Catherine, to anyone with an interest in London or this aspect of its fascinating history!
David Jones –
Catherine is a brilliant guide – informative, enthusiastic and engaging. On the scene at the Great Fire of London is a fantastic and immersive way to learn so much about the fire, Samuel Pepys and some of London’s most famous landmarks while also discovering some hidden gems. Highly recommend this walk.
Emma Slater –
A really fun morning exploring London of old. Our guide Catherine took us from the fire’s inception through its progress over subsequent days and the efforts made to curtail it. Lots of interesting facts, accounts and details and we particularly enjoyed visiting the varied landmarks against the backdrop of the modern city. Some things I have walked past many times without properly noticing. Would highly recommend!
Joanna –
We thoroughly enjoyed ‘On the scene at the Great Fire of London’. Cathy brings the history and circumstances of the Great Fire of London to life with her expert knowledge and readings from Samuel Pepy’s diaries. It was a really fun walk and Cathy’s enthusiasm is infectious. Highly recommended!!
Alice –
I loved this walk. Like many people, I knew the basics. 1666! Pudding Lane! But Catherine was an engaging and enthusiastic guide and her knowledge brought the subject to life vividly. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I discovered some new and shocking information about the Monument and St Paul’s. Book now – you won’t be disappointed!
Karen Kedem –
Catherine was knowledgeable, entertaining, intriguing and the tour was a fabulous experience. I brought my 13year old granddaughter with me who had read her book, The White Phoenix, and she too thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Highly recommended.
Hannah Taylor –
A fascinating and insightful tour, expertly narrated by Catherine. It was a really enjoyable experience, taking in many parts of London that you’d normally very easily walk past/miss. A great way to spend a morning in London – would highly recommend!