After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Episode: The Great Plague of London
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Hosts: Maddy Pelling & Anthony Delaney
Guest: Rebecca Riddiel, Historian and Author of 1666 Plague, War and Hellfire

Introduction to the Great Plague of London

In this gripping episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, hosts Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney delve deep into one of history's most infamous pandemics—the Great Plague of London (1665-1666). Joined by renowned historian Rebecca Riddiel, the trio unpacks the complexities, societal impacts, and enduring legacy of this devastating event.

Setting the Scene: London in the 1660s

Rebecca Riddiel paints a vivid picture of 17th-century London, a metropolis bustling with over 400,000 residents. The period was marked by a cultural renaissance following the restoration of Charles II in 1660, bringing about a surge in the arts, including the rise of professional actresses and playwrights like George Etheridge and Aphra Behn.

Quote:
Anthony Delaney [00:59]: “It's slightly raining, it's significantly cooler and the skies are grey, which is perfect for plague talk, I think.”

Riddiel discusses the stark contrasts within the city—from the opulent Strand adorned by the nobility to the impoverished areas like St. Giles in the Fields, home to migrant communities.

The Outbreak: Origins and Spread

The Great Plague likely originated from merchant ships arriving in London, bringing rats and fleas that facilitated the transmission of the disease. Riddiel emphasizes the critical role of trade in the spread of the plague, aligning with historical patterns observed in other pandemics.

Quote:
Anthony Delaney [12:52]: “Is this something they were expected? Look, you're elite, of course you're going to go, and off you go?”

Riddiel explains that the first recorded death occurred in St. Giles in the Fields, outside the city walls, before the virus infiltrated the heart of London. The rapid spread led to stringent measures to contain the disease, including the shutting up of houses and the establishment of quarantine zones.

Societal Impact and Public Response

The episode explores the grim realities of the plague, highlighting the terrifying symptoms such as high fevers, swollen lymphatic glands (buboes), and resulting in horrific behaviors like self-immolation and head-bashing as people grappled with immense suffering.

Quote:
Rebecca Riddiel [14:54]: “We have a real sense of how people experienced it through writers like Johnny Evelyn and Samuel Pepys.”

Riddiel discusses the societal hierarchy and how the plague exacerbated existing tensions. While the elite had the means to flee, the lower classes faced severe restrictions and stigma, leading to increased resentment and fear within communities.

Measures to Control the Plague

To combat the outbreak, authorities implemented several public health measures:

1. Quarantine: Homes with infected individuals were sealed off to prevent further spread.
2. Bills of Mortality: Weekly reports detailing death counts, analogous to modern-day COVID-19 dashboards.
3. Role of Women as Searchers: Women were employed to identify and report plague cases, a task that involved immense psychological and emotional strain.

Quote:
Rebecca Riddiel [18:16]: “The loneliness is something that I think all of us would probably empathize with a little bit more now.”

These measures, while rudimentary by today's standards, laid the groundwork for future public health initiatives. However, they also highlighted the limitations of contemporary medical understanding, which was rooted in miasma theory rather than germ theory.

The Demise of the Plague

One of the enduring mysteries discussed is the sudden decline of the plague in 1666. Contrary to popular belief, Riddiel dismisses the notion that the Great Fire of London eradicated the disease, citing insufficient evidence linking the two events directly.

Quote:
Rebecca Riddiel [30:04]: “We don't know why it ended. It was gradually fading out across Europe as well.”

Riddiel points out that the plague's decline coincided with various factors, including improved public health measures and possible climatic changes, but definitive reasons remain elusive.

Immediate Legacies and Long-Term Impacts

The aftermath of the plague saw a society grappling with trauma and seeking explanations rooted in religious and moral frameworks. The quick return to normalcy under Charles II's reign masked the underlying collective trauma experienced by Londoners.

Quote:
Rebecca Riddiel [33:24]: “I do think what we don't see and reading between the lines is a kind of trauma from this.”

Riddiel argues that the Great Plague, alongside the Great Fire of London, served as a catalyst for significant urban and architectural transformations, including the commissioning of Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Why This Plague Stands Out

What sets the Great Plague of London apart is the extensive documentation that provides a rich narrative of its impact. Writers like Samuel Pepys offer invaluable firsthand accounts that bring the harrowing experiences to life.

Quote:
Rebecca Riddiel [36:13]: “We have a lot of documentation for this plague, so I think that's really interesting.”

Additionally, the role of women in compiling the Bills of Mortality underscores the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized groups in historical record-keeping.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Historical Pandemics

Riddiel draws parallels between the Great Plague and modern pandemics like COVID-19 and AIDS, emphasizing the recurring themes of fear, stigma, and the societal desire to find meaning amidst chaos. The episode concludes with a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the historical data, urging listeners to remember the silent laborers—particularly women—who played crucial roles during the outbreak.

Quote:
Rebecca Riddiel [37:12]: “I think about the great plague of 1665 and earlier ones. Doesn't quite answer your question, but I guess that's my parting thought when it comes to plague.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anthony Delaney [00:59]: “It's slightly raining, it's significantly cooler and the skies are grey, which is perfect for plague talk, I think.”
• Rebecca Riddiel [14:54]: “We have a real sense of how people experienced it through writers like Johnny Evelyn and Samuel Pepys.”
• Rebecca Riddiel [18:16]: “The loneliness is something that I think all of us would probably empathize with a little bit more now.”
• Rebecca Riddiel [30:04]: “We don't know why it ended. It was gradually fading out across Europe as well.”
• Rebecca Riddiel [33:24]: “I do think what we don't see and reading between the lines is a kind of trauma from this.”
• Rebecca Riddiel [36:13]: “We have a lot of documentation for this plague, so I think that's really interesting.”
• Rebecca Riddiel [37:12]: “I think about the great plague of 1665 and earlier ones. Doesn't quite answer your question, but I guess that's my parting thought when it comes to plague.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of After Dark masterfully intertwines vivid historical narratives with insightful analysis, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the Great Plague of London. Through Rebecca Riddiel's expert commentary, the episode not only recounts the events but also invites reflection on the enduring human struggles during pandemics.

For more enlightening discussions on the darker sides of history, subscribe to After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal on History Hit.