Welcome to our family-friendly circular trial exploring Pudding Lane and the area where the Great Fire started! This children’s walk through the City will pass through famous landmarks as well as a couple of well-hidden gems you might not have heard of before. So, grab your walking shoes and let’s begin our journey through time!
- Distance: This children’s walk is less than a mile long, so easy peasy!
- Age guide: No minimum age as such, but we recommend 4+
- School stage: Perfect for KS1 and KS1 as part of learning about the Great Fire
- Duration: Full-day excursion
Stop 1 – Sugar Quay Jetty – Thames Path
Our circular route starts at the Tower (which we will return to) and follows the Thames Path’s north bank towards the Sugar Quay Jetty. There are no big attractions right here, but it’s just a nice traffic-free spot to take a break and enjoy the great views before heading towards St Magnus Church and then Pudding Lane. You can see Tower Bridge, the Shard, HMS Belfast and the boats passing by on the Thames.
Stop 2 – St Magnus the Martyr Church
Located in the heart of London, near Pudding Lane, St. Magnus the Martyr is a stunning Anglican church that has witnessed centuries of history.
Being so close to Pudding Lane, it is no surprise that the church was one of the first to be destroyed during the Great Fire Of London in 1666. Thomas Farriner’s bakery is less than 300 meters from the church, so it wasn’t long before St Magnus arrived. Farriner, a former St Magnus churchwarden, was later buried in St Magnus’ aisle in December 1670.
St. Magnus the Martyr has its roots in an earlier medieval church dedicated to Norwegian St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney, who lived during the 12th century. The original structure stood on this site and served as a place of worship for the people of London for several centuries.
The current church, designed by renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, was constructed between 1671 and 1687 after the Great Fire of London devastated the city. Wren’s design incorporated the surviving medieval tower, which still stands proudly today.
Stop 3 – The Aerial Walkway to Pudding Lane
Instead of crossing the busy Lower Thames St, try to find the stairs leading up to the aerial walkway towards Pudding Lane. The stairs are a bit hidden away and look like they’re leading up to an office.
Interestingly the walkway seems to be called Pudding Lane! Quite a contrast to the medieval street during the Great Fire. Continue across the aerial bridge and you’ll soon
Stop 4 – Pudding Lane
And then finally you’re at the very spot where the historic fire began – Pudding Lane! Here, in 1666, the baker Thomas Farynor’s oven sparked the blaze that would go on to consume much of the city.
As you walk down Pudding Lane, imagine what it must have been like for the Farynor family and their maid as they awoke to thick smoke in the middle of the night. Their maid, sadly, was the first casualty of the fire when she refused to jump from the window. Despite only six recorded deaths, it’s likely that many more perished in the flames.
Today, Pudding Lane is a calm and unassuming street, but keep your eyes peeled for a plaque marking the site where the Great Fire of London started. Though the original sign is held in the Museum of London collection, this newer plaque has stood here since 1986, reminding us of the dramatic events that unfolded over 350 years ago.
But that’s not all – see those concrete blocks on the ground? They’re marked with the lines of the famous children’s song “London’s Burning,” which dates back to the time of the fire. Do you know the words? “London’s burning, London’s burning. Fetch the engines, fetch the engines. Fire fire! Fire fire! Pour on water, pour on the water.” Sing it together as you stand on the same street where the Great Fire raged all those years ago.
The original plaque in Pudding Lane
The original plaque in Pudding Lane blamed the Frenchmen Robert Hubert and ‘barbarous Papists’ (the Catholics) for the Great Fire of London. Hubert’s story changed many times throughout his imprisonment and trial but he was eventually executed for the crime in October 1666. It is now generally believed that Hubert was innocent and not in a good place mentally.
For years conspiracy theories about a Catholic plot against London remained. After James II became Catholic king, the plaque was removed. However, it was reinstalled in 1689 when Mary II and William III took over the throne. The large number of people who stopped to read the slab and blocked the street may have caused it to be removed in the 18th Century. The slab was discovered in the yard of 25 Pudding Lane in 1876 during construction work and later displayed at the Museum of London where you can go and see it today.
Stop 5 – The Monument
Just a short walk away from Pudding Lane, the site where the Great Fire of London started, is the most iconic spot commemorating the event – known simply as the Monument. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1677, it stands at a towering height of 202 feet and is located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill.
Climbing the 311 steps to the gallery at the top is an exhilarating experience, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city that’s sure to take your breath away. As you look out across the sprawling metropolis, it’s hard to imagine that the fire could have consumed so much of it in just four short days.
While you’re there, make sure to read the plaque at the bottom, and take a moment to appreciate the Latin inscriptions on three sides of the monument. It’s worth noting that one phrase was removed from the north panel in 1830, which blamed Catholics and ‘Popish frenzy’ for the fire.
Stop 6 – St Dunstan in the East
Our next stop on the Great Fire of London walk is St Dunstan in the East, a beautiful City of London church that was almost destroyed by the Blitz in World War II. It’s a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a tranquil spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The church dates back to the 10th century but was severely damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was rebuilt in the early 18th century, and then again in the 19th century, but it was all for naught when the church was bombed during the Blitz in 1941.
Nowadays, the church is a beautiful garden filled with trees, flowers, and ivy-covered arches. It’s a popular spot for photographers and artists, as well as families looking for a peaceful spot to have a picnic or play games.
There are plenty of benches scattered around the garden, so you can take a break and enjoy the view. Make sure you take the time to walk around and admire the beautiful architecture – the church may be ruined, but it’s still a stunning sight.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the resident fox, who is often spotted darting around the garden. Kids love trying to spot him, and it’s a great way to keep them entertained while you relax.
St Dunstan in the East is open every day, and best of all, it’s completely free to visit. It’s a must-see on any Great Fire of London walk, and a great way to experience a different side of the city.
Stop 7 – Tower of London
While the Tower of London was not directly affected by the Great Fire of London in 1666, it played an important role in the aftermath of the disaster. As the fire raged through the city, rumours spread that foreigners and Catholics were responsible for starting the blaze. In response, a wave of anti-Catholic and anti-foreigner sentiment swept through the city, with many innocent people being falsely accused and attacked.
To restore order, the government brought in troops to patrol the streets, and many suspected troublemakers were arrested and taken to the Tower of London for questioning. The Tower became a symbol of the authorities’ determination to maintain law and order in the face of chaos and uncertainty.
In addition to its role in the aftermath of the fire, the Tower of London has a rich history that spans over 900 years. It has served as a royal palace, a fortress, and a prison, and has been the site of many famous events, including the execution of Anne Boleyn and the imprisonment of Elizabeth I. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, with visitors from around the world coming to see the Crown Jewels, the Ravens, and the famous Beefeaters.
Check out more family-friendly walking trails and cycle routes around London.