The Great Fire of London: Why did the fire spread so quickly

Exploring the rapid spread of the Great Fire of London is an engaging topic that offers valuable historical insights. Pupils are encouraged to watch two online clips multiple times to understand the factors that contributed to the fire's swift escalation. Through these visual resources, they are able to witness a representation of the event and gather information on the various elements that played a role in the fire's rapid spread. After viewing the clips, students discuss with their partners the reasons behind the fire's quick progression, fostering collaborative learning and critical thinking.

Following the discussion, students are tasked with writing down five reasons why the Great Fire of London spread so rapidly and to consider what measures could have been taken to prevent such widespread devastation. This exercise not only deepens their comprehension of historical events but also prompts them to think about fire safety and prevention methods. The activity culminates in a reflection on the lessons learned from the Great Fire of London, encouraging pupils to connect past events with contemporary fire safety practices and understand the impact of urban planning, emergency response, and architectural design on fire prevention and control.