Out of the Pan into the Fire

A journey from Pudding Lane to the Pudding Club! Come with us on this amazing journey and discover the story of The Great Fire of London that started in Pudding Lane, London in 1666. London at that time was an unhappy city. One-third of the population had died of the plague in 1665 and England had recently been at war with France, the Netherlands and Spain. This made people afraid of foreigners but we would welcome you as guests in our country to explore this time in our history.

We will start our journey with a The Cotswold Experience private tour at the Museum of London which holds a special exhibition, relating to the Great Fire, Explore the Great Fire, the most famous disaster in London's history, and find out how it shaped the city we know today. From the museum we will take you to The Monument. The Monument stands at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill in the City of London. It was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the City.

As part of the rebuilding, it was decided to erect a permanent memorial of the Great Fire near the place where it began. Sir Christopher Wren, Surveyor General to King Charles II and the architect of St. Paul's Cathedral, provided a design for a colossal Doric column in the antique tradition. Plans were drawn for a column containing a cantilevered stone staircase of 311 steps leading to a viewing platform. This was surmounted by a drum and a copper urn from which flames emerged, symbolising the Great Fire.

The Monument, as it came to be called, is 61 metres high (202 feet) - the exact distance between it and the site in Pudding Lane where the fire began. So if you have a head for heights and strength in your legs we will climb The Monument and all its 311 steps. By now you will be in need of some refreshment and we will make our way to The Samuel Pepys public house. Samuel Pepys is also a name synonymous with The Great Fire, due to his remarkable account of the unfolding events, here’s just a snippet from his outstanding diary…..

Oh the miserable and calamitous spectacle! Commentary September 2, 1666 It was a small mistake, but with great consequences. On September 2, 1666, Thomas Farrinor, baker to King Charles II of England, failed, in effect, to turn off his oven. He thought the fire was out, but apparently the smouldering embers ignited some nearby firewood and by one o'clock in the morning, three hours after Farrinor went to bed, his house in Pudding Lane was in flames. Farrinor, along with his wife and daughter, and one servant, escaped from the burning building through an upstairs window, but the baker's maid was not so fortunate, becoming the Great Fire's first victim.

Over a coffee or glass of wine you can enjoy the views of the river Thames as you take a moment to look further into the work of Samuel Pepys and discuss with our guide the astonishing commentary that this man depicted of The Great Fire.

Having rested a while we will make our way to St Paul’s Cathedral designed and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren. A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604AD, a constant reminder to this great commercial centre of the importance of the spiritual side of life. The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces. Since the first service took place here in 1697. Wren's masterpiece has been where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated.

Once at St Paul’s Cathedral we will take you on a tour of this awe inspiring building. The tour includes a visit to the library and a glimpse of the famous geometrical staircase, as well as a spectacular view from the West End down the Nave. The visit culminates in the Trophy Room, where Wren's Great Model, based on an early plan for the Cathedral in the form of a Greek cross, is on display. You will be able to admire this intricate feat of craftsmanship which reflects the design Wren most desired for St Paul's, but which he was obliged to recast along more conventional lines to give us the magnificent St Paul's of today. This part of the tour will take you up another 141 steps to Triforium level but be assured each and every step will be worth the effort as you discovery the treasures held with in St Paul’s.

We started our day with The Great Fire that was started in Pudding Lane, now its time to rest those legs as we take on a 90 minute drive into the Cotswold countryside to conclude the days events. We are ending our day at the home of The Pudding Club. The Pudding Club was founded in 1985 to prevent the demise of the traditional great British Pudding. In the 1980’s it seemed as though such delights as Jam Roly Poly, Syrup Sponge, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Spotted Dick were rarities in the face of seductive competition from Black Forest Gateau and Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake. During the evening The Parade of Puddings introduces the seven dishes, one at a time, and you can eat as much or as little of each as you like, before the highlight of the evening – voting for the Pudding of the Night.

Having taken your fill of these truly British delights you will retire for the night in one of the pudding themed rooms and awake in the morning to the beauty of The Cotswolds. We will either return you to your hotel in London or we will be happy to arrange for an extended stay in the The Cotswolds.

Pricing
$1989 for two people, including taxes