London, Saturday 1 September 1666: lumbering wagons squeeze their way through the narrow streets, with fights often breaking out between drivers over right of way. Wooden bollards line the street; pavements have yet to be built. Filth and sewage lays waiting to be cleared by 'rakers', stinking in the hot dry weather. An easterly wind arises. At some time after midnight the Great Fire began.

A great introduction to the Great Fire of London for children at KS1 and KS2 that includes extracts from Samuel Pepys' diary, photographs of historical artifacts and a look at fire fighting before the fire broke out and after.