The Great Fire of London KS1

The Great Fire of London is one of the most popular history topics taught in KS1. This dramatic event from 1666 helps children learn about an important event beyond living memory while developing their understanding of chronology, historical evidence and how life has changed over time.

Whether you're introducing the topic for the first time or looking for engaging lesson ideas, you'll find helpful facts, activities, teaching ideas and a FREE Great Fire of London KS1 lesson below.

What Was the Great Fire of London?

The Great Fire of London began on 2nd September 1666 in a bakery on Pudding Lane. At the time, many of London's houses were made from wood and were built very close together.

Strong winds helped the flames spread rapidly through the city. The fire burned for four days before it was finally brought under control.

By the end of the disaster, around 13,000 houses, many churches and important buildings, including St Paul's Cathedral, had been destroyed.

Why Is the Great Fire of London Taught in KS1?

The Great Fire of London is a popular KS1 History topic because it helps children learn about an important event beyond living memory. It also gives children opportunities to explore how historians find out about the past and how major events can change people's lives.

Through this topic, children learn about:

• Events beyond living memory
• Cause and consequence
• Historical evidence
• Chronology and timelines
• Changes within living memory and beyond

Great Fire of London KS1 Facts

• 🔥 The fire started on 2nd September 1666.
• 📍 It began in a bakery on Pudding Lane.
• 👨🍳 The bakery belonged to Thomas Farriner.
• 🏠 Around 13,000 houses were destroyed.
• ⛪ St Paul's Cathedral burned down.
• 📖 Samuel Pepys wrote about the fire in his diary.
• 🌬 Strong winds helped the flames spread quickly.
• 🚒 There were no modern fire engines in 1666.
• 🪝 People used buckets and fire hooks to fight the fire.
• 🏗 London was rebuilt using more brick and stone buildings.

Great Fire of London Timeline

• 2 September 1666 – The fire begins in a bakery on Pudding Lane.
• 3 September 1666 – Strong winds spread the fire across London.
• 4 September 1666 – St Paul's Cathedral catches fire.
• 5 September 1666 – Buildings are demolished to create firebreaks.
• 6 September 1666 – The fire is finally brought under control.
• After the fire – London begins to be rebuilt.

Who Was Samuel Pepys?

Samuel Pepys was a government official who lived in London during the Great Fire. He kept a diary that recorded what he saw during the disaster.

Today, historians use Samuel Pepys' diary as an important source of evidence. His writings help us understand what happened during the fire and how people felt at the time.

Great Fire of London Vocabulary

• Bakery – A place where bread and cakes are made.
• Pudding Lane – The street where the fire started.
• Eyewitness – Someone who saw an event happen.
• Diary – A personal record of events.
• Cathedral – A large and important church.
• Firebreak – A gap created to stop a fire spreading.
• Rebuild – To build something again after it has been damaged.

Great Fire of London KS1 Activities

Looking for engaging ways to teach the Great Fire of London? Try these classroom activities:

• Create a timeline of the events of 1666.
• Write diary entries as Samuel Pepys.
• Create newspaper reports about the fire.
• Compare London in 1666 with London today.
• Build model Tudor houses and investigate why the fire spread.
• Role-play eyewitness interviews.
• Create artwork inspired by the Great Fire of London.

🎁 Free Great Fire of London KS1 Lesson

Start your topic straight away with a free ready-to-teach lesson that combines History and English learning.

Free Lesson: Great Fire of London Newspaper Reports

• Detailed lesson plan
• Engaging slideshow presentation
• Differentiated KS1 activities
• Printable resources included
• Assessment opportunities provided

Perfect for helping children consolidate their historical understanding while developing their writing skills.

Download your free lesson

Great Fire of London KS1 History Lessons

Looking for a complete unit of work? Our Great Fire of London KS1 History scheme of work includes everything you need to teach this fascinating topic with confidence.

Children will investigate:

• What London was like in 1666
• How the fire started
• Why the fire spread so quickly
• Samuel Pepys and historical evidence
• How people fought the fire
• How London changed after the disaster

✔ Detailed lesson plans
✔ Engaging slideshows
✔ Differentiated activities
✔ Printable resources included

👉 View the full Great Fire of London KS1 History scheme

Great Fire of London KS1 English Resources

The Great Fire of London also provides excellent opportunities for cross-curricular English learning.

• Great Fire of London Diary Entries – explore Samuel Pepys' diary before writing your own.
• Great Fire of London Newspaper Reports – learn about newspaper features and write reports.
• Vlad and the Great Fire of London – develop reading comprehension skills through a popular story.
• London Past and Present – compare London today with London in 1666.

Great Fire of London KS1 FAQs

What year group learns about the Great Fire of London?

The Great Fire of London is usually taught in Year 1 or Year 2 as part of the KS1 History curriculum.

Why is the Great Fire of London important?

The fire changed London forever and led to improvements in building design, city planning and fire safety.

How long did the Great Fire of London last?

The Great Fire of London lasted for four days, from 2nd September to 6th September 1666.

Who started the Great Fire of London?

The fire is believed to have started accidentally in a bakery owned by Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane.

Why did the Great Fire of London spread so quickly?

The fire spread quickly because many houses were made of wood, buildings were built close together and strong winds helped the flames travel through the city.

How can I make the Great Fire of London engaging for KS1?

Using storytelling, role play, timelines, diary writing, newspaper reports and hands-on activities can help bring the topic to life for young learners.