Extract from the ‘London Gazette’, dated 2 September 1666 recording the start of the Great Fire of London. Catalogue ref: ZJ 1/1 (84v)
In the seventeenth century, all kinds of rumours and stories were printed as pamphlets or handbills. The government felt that many posed a threat to national security and the monarchy. Press censorship was introduced in 1663 and all news publications had to be licensed. When plague broke out in 1665 in London, Charles II moved his court to Oxford and news from the Crown was published in the form of the ‘Oxford Gazette’. When Charles II returned to London it was renamed the ‘London Gazette’. The publication was positioned as the most authoritative source of information. It is interesting that one document in this collection refers to the lack of the ‘gazettes’ resulting in little reliable news about the fire. Later in 1674, Charles II published a proclamation ‘to restrain the spreading of false news and licentious talking of matters of State and Government’ (Catalogue ref: SP 45.12 pt.1 f320.)
- When and where did the fire start?
- How did Charles II respond to the outbreak of the fire?
- What is the value of the ‘London Gazette’ as a historical source?
Transcript
…
London, Sept. 2. About two a clock this morning a sudden and lamentable fire brake out in this City, beginning not far from Thames-Street, near London Bridge; which continues still with great violence, and hath already burnt down to the ground many houses thereabouts: Which said accident affected His Majesty with that tenderness and compassion that He was pleased to go Himself in Person with His Royal Highness, to give order, that all possible means should be used for quenching the fire, or stopping its further spreading. In which care, the Right Honourable Earl of Craven was sent by His Majesty, to be more particularly assisting to the Lord Major and the Magistrates and several Companies of His Guards sent into the City, to be helpful by what they could in so great a calamity.
London, Printed by Thomas Newcomb over against Baynards-Castle in Thames -Street, 1666
Simplified transcript
2nd September, London. At about 2 am this morning, a sudden and very bad fire broke out in this city, beginning not far from Thames-Street, near London Bridge. It continues still with great force and has already burnt down many houses nearby. It is believed that His Majesty was so moved and concerned that he chose to go in person with his brother [James, Duke of York] to order, that all possible means should be used for putting out the fire or stopping it from spreading. To help, the Earl of Craven was sent by His Majesty to support the Lord Mayor and the magistrates and several companies of the king’s guards were sent into the city to do anything they could to help in such a disaster.