After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal Episode Summary: "Great Fire of London: Mobs, Firestorms, and Revenge" Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction and Overview

In the second and final installment of the mini-series on the Great Fire of London, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve deeper into one of history's most devastating urban disasters. Building upon the foundations laid in the previous episode, this segment explores the chaos, human behavior, and the aftermath of the fire that reshaped London in 1666.

The Great Fire of London: Onset and Spread

The episode opens with a vivid description of London on the night of September 2, 1666. Samuel Pepys, an eyewitness and key diarist, navigates the city engulfed in flames. Maddie sets the scene:

“The sky has glowed red all night. Despite the early hour, the narrow streets of London are crowded with people running, riding heaving carts, shouting instructions...” ([00:00])

The fire ignited in Thomas Farriner's bakery on Pudding Lane and rapidly dispersed due to dry, windy conditions, exacerbating an already tense environment marked by the aftermath of the plague and political instability following the Restoration of Charles II.

Primary Accounts and Historical Records

The hosts emphasize the significance of firsthand accounts in understanding the fire's impact. Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn emerge as pivotal figures whose diaries provide invaluable insights.

Maddy highlights:

“...so limited is the perspective because we cannot hear from people outside of this specific network. We have Pepys, we have Evelyn, we have these wealthy men...” ([07:55])

Anthony and Maddie discuss the limitations of these sources, noting that the voices of ordinary Londoners, especially women and the lower classes, remain unheard.

Furthermore, archaeological findings, such as melted iron hooks and glass from destroyed windows, corroborate the intense heat and widespread destruction documented in the diaries.

Human Behavior Amidst Chaos

As the fire raged, societal norms disintegrated, revealing the darker aspects of human nature. The episode explores how the disaster unraveled the rigid hierarchies of 17th-century London, leading to anarchy and mob rule.

Pete Zermanshek, a retired firefighter and City of London guide, explains the phenomenon of a firestorm:

“A firestorm is when the fire gets so large that it sets up its own convection currents, so it is literally sucking in air from all around it...” ([17:12])

The intense heat created conditions where fires seemed to ignite spontaneously, adding to the terror and confusion.

The Search for a Scapegoat: Robert Hubert

In the aftermath of the fire, panic and the need to assign blame led to the wrongful accusation and execution of Robert Hubert, a French Catholic watchmaker. Maddie recounts:

“He says he starts the fire in Westminster, but...he arrived in London two days after the fire began.” ([40:51])

Despite evidence pointing to Thomas Farriner's bakery as the origin, Hubert was coerced into confessing under pressure, reflecting the era's rampant anti-Catholic sentiment and xenophobia.

Anthony expresses frustration over the miscarriage of justice:

“...when people use these situations to satisfy their own weird, xenophobic or misogynistic or whatever it is...” ([27:24])

Aftermath and Rebuilding Efforts

Following the fire's cessation on September 5, 1666, King Charles II took a hands-on approach to rebuilding London. Maddie describes the transformation:

“...rebuilding really, really quickly... This is now going to be the London of architects like Christopher Wren...” ([47:16])

The reconstruction prioritized stone buildings over the previously prevalent wooden structures, incorporating classical designs inspired by ancient Rome. Christopher Wren's restoration of St. Paul's Cathedral emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience, replacing the devastated Gothic structure with a beacon of architectural ambition.

Legacy and Perception of 1666

The year 1666, marked by the Great Fire and subsequent natural disasters like a powerful tornado in Lincolnshire, fostered a belief that it was a "cursed year." Anthony connects this sentiment to the broader context of religious and political upheaval:

“...they were waiting for retribution. And retribution in this world, especially in the religious context of the 17th century...” ([43:26])

This collective anxiety contributed to the heightened fear of Catholicism, culminating in the execution of Robert Hubert and the eventual Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Conclusion

Anthony and Maddie reflect on the profound transformation London underwent due to the Great Fire. While the episode concludes with the city's physical rebuilding, it also underscores the lingering social and political scars that shaped future generations. The hosts emphasize the enduring lessons from this historical catastrophe, highlighting the vulnerabilities and resilience of urban societies in the face of disaster.

Notable Quotes:

• Maddy Pelling ([00:00]):
  “The sky has glowed red all night. Despite the early hour, the narrow streets of London are crowded with people running, riding heaving carts, shouting instructions...”

• Pete Zermanshek ([17:12]):
  “A firestorm is when the fire gets so large that it sets up its own convection currents, so it is literally sucking in air from all around it...”

• Maddy Pelling ([40:51]):
  “He says he starts the fire in Westminster, but...he arrived in London two days after the fire began.”

• Anthony Delaney ([27:24]):
  “...when people use these situations to satisfy their own weird, xenophobic or misogynistic or whatever it is...”

Final Thoughts:

This episode of "After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal" offers a comprehensive exploration of the Great Fire of London, blending meticulous historical analysis with engaging storytelling. By spotlighting primary accounts, archaeological evidence, and the tumultuous human responses, Anthony and Maddie provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the disaster's multifaceted impact on London and its people.