The Great Fire of London Quiz

What was the main cause of the Great Fire of London in 1666?

• A lightning strike

• A fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane

• An explosion at the Tower of London

• A candle left burning in St Paul's Cathedral

Answer explanation

The Great Fire of London in 1666 primarily started in a bakery on Pudding Lane, where a fire ignited and quickly spread due to the wooden structures and dry conditions, leading to widespread destruction.

Who was the owner of the bakery where the fire began?

• Samuel Pepys

• Thomas Farriner

• Christopher Wren

• King Charles II

Answer explanation

The fire that started in the bakery was owned by Thomas Farriner. He was responsible for the location where the Great Fire of London began in 1666.

Which of the following was NOT a reason the fire spread so quickly?

• Strong winds

• Wooden buildings close together

• Heavy rainfall

• Dry summer conditions

Answer explanation

Heavy rainfall would have helped to suppress the fire, making it less likely to spread quickly. In contrast, strong winds, wooden buildings close together, and dry summer conditions all contribute to rapid fire spread.

How many days did the Great Fire of London last?

• 1 day

• 2 days

• 4 days

• 7 days

Answer explanation

The Great Fire of London lasted for 4 days, from September 2 to September 6, 1666, causing extensive damage to the city.

Which river did many Londoners flee to in order to escape the fire?

• The Thames

• The Severn

• The Mersey

• The Tyne

Answer explanation

Many Londoners fled to the Thames during the Great Fire of London in 1666, seeking safety from the flames that engulfed the city. The Thames was the nearest major river, making it a natural escape route.

What was one of the main methods used to try to stop the fire?

• Spraying water from hoses

• Creating firebreaks by pulling down houses

• Using fire extinguishers

• Dropping sand from hot air balloons

Answer explanation

One of the main methods used to stop the fire was creating firebreaks by pulling down houses. This technique helps to remove fuel for the fire, preventing it from spreading further.

Who was the King of England during the Great Fire of London?

• King James I

• King Charles II

• King George III

• King Henry VIII

Answer explanation

The Great Fire of London occurred in 1666, during the reign of King Charles II. He was the monarch who oversaw the rebuilding of the city after the fire, making him the correct answer.

Which famous diarist wrote about the Great Fire of London?

• William Shakespeare

• Samuel Pepys

• Isaac Newton

• Geoffrey Chaucer

Answer explanation

Samuel Pepys is the famous diarist who documented the Great Fire of London in his diary, providing a detailed first-hand account of the events that took place in 1666.

What was the approximate number of houses destroyed in the fire?

• 100

• 1,000

• 13,000

• 50,000

Answer explanation

The fire caused significant destruction, with reports indicating that approximately 13,000 houses were destroyed. This figure is much higher than the other options, making it the correct choice.

Which iconic building was destroyed and later rebuilt after the fire?

• Buckingham Palace

• St Paul's Cathedral

• The British Museum

• The Globe Theatre

Answer explanation

St Paul's Cathedral was famously destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was later rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, making it an iconic symbol of resilience and architectural beauty.