Episode Summary: "The Great Fire of London"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Empire
• Hosts: William Durand and Anita Anand
• Episode: The Great Fire of London
• Release Date: July 24, 2025
• Description: Hosts delve into the historical intricacies of empires, featuring discussions with historians to explore pivotal events that shaped world history.

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "The Great Fire of London," hosts William Durand and Anita Anand pivot slightly to spotlight another esteemed Goalhanger podcast, "Journey Through Time," hosted by historians David Olusoga and Sarah Church. This special feature focuses on the Great Fire of London, unraveling the event through a social history lens rather than traditional political narratives.

Discussion with David Olusoga

William Durand opens the conversation with a light-hearted remark about his own (humorous) creation of a Tudor house engulfed in flames, setting a relatable tone before delving into the main topic.

David Olusoga emphasizes the depth and lesser-known aspects of the Great Fire. He states:

"There's so much that we know about it, but actually so much that we don't. And what we try to do in Journey Through Time is paint a picture of what it was like to actually live through those events."
[02:07]

Olusoga critiques the traditional teaching of history, which often centers on elites and decision-makers, advocating instead for a ground-up approach that highlights the experiences of ordinary people. He shares compelling insights into the desperate measures of Londoners trying to escape the relentless fire:

"People are recorded as having moved their most precious possessions 4, 5, 6 times as this fire spread and spread and spread."
[03:03]

Blame and Scapegoating During the Fire

The conversation shifts to the aftermath of the fire, particularly the scapegoating that ensued. Anita Anand raises questions about who was blamed and the nature of the fire's ignition.

David Olusoga reveals a darker side of human behavior during crises:

"The people who get blamed are entirely innocent and those who should be held to account get away scot free. Any foreigners with a foreign accent, particularly French or Dutch, were attacked in the streets."
[03:36]

He draws parallels to contemporary issues, highlighting the recurring pattern of xenophobia in the face of disaster.

Historical Records and Judicial Injustice

William Durand inquires about the historical records that shed light on the events and public sentiment during the fire.

David Olusoga discusses the available documentation, including diaries and official records, and details a significant court case:

"A man called Robert Hubert, a young Frenchman suffering from mental illness, confessed to starting the fire for reasons no one understands. Despite evidence proving he wasn't in London at the time, he was convicted and hanged."
[04:56]

This case serves as an example of judicial injustice and the societal urge to find a scapegoat amidst chaos.

Connection to Contemporary Society

The hosts draw connections between the historical events and modern societal behaviors. William Durand remarks on the timeless nature of such human actions:

"These behaviors, these ebbs and flows are so familiar."
[05:44]

David Olusoga concurs, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical contexts to appreciate present-day societal patterns.

Highlighting "Journey Through Time" and Its Hosts

Anita Anand extols the virtues of the "Journey Through Time" podcast, praising both David Olusoga and Sarah Church for their exceptional communication skills and depth of knowledge.

David Olusoga and Sarah Church are lauded for their ability to make history accessible and engaging, with specific mention of their episodes on topics like the National Rifle Association's history.

Excerpts from "Journey Through Time": The Great Fire of London

The episode features a curated clip from "Journey Through Time," providing listeners with a vivid recounting of the Great Fire through the eyes of Samuel Pepys, a notable diarist of the era.

Samuel Pepys narrates his initial underestimation of the fire:

"He decides the fire is not serious enough for him to really worry about. So he goes back to bed."
[09:14]

As the situation escalates, Pepys records the rapid spread of the fire:

"Between 3am and 7am, this fire has enormously expanded. And Pepys now realizes that this is not just another house fire."
[10:20]

Sarah Church provides context to Pepys' diary entries, highlighting his active involvement and the transformation of his personal accounts into a dramatic historical record.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode effectively bridges the past and present, illustrating how events like the Great Fire of London continue to resonate today. By focusing on personal narratives and societal reactions, "The Great Fire of London" offers a nuanced understanding of history's impact on modern society. Listeners are encouraged to explore "Journey Through Time" for a deeper dive into such pivotal moments.

Notable Quotes:

• David Olusoga: "The people who get blamed are entirely innocent and those who should be held to account get away scot free." [03:36]
• Samuel Pepys: "He calls it an infinite great fire." [11:44]

For More: To experience this insightful exploration of the Great Fire of London, listen to "Journey Through Time" on your preferred podcast platform.

Join the Empire Club: Gain exclusive access to bonus content, miniseries, ad-free listening, and more by becoming a member at empirepoduk.com.

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