Archives Live: The Great Fire of London

What to expect from the live broadcast

Discover the story of the Great Fire of London with CBBC and CITV broadcaster and primary school teacher Michael Underwood, in our free broadcast for Primary Schools. This engaging half-hour episode will tell the stories of those who experienced the fire through the documents they left behind.

In partnership with The London Archives and featuring The London Fire Brigade, we will delve into witness statements, building designs and artefacts that uncover the secrets of the fire and what made it such a significant event. Designed for your

Archives Live is free for schools to take part, with one booking per school allowing you to connect in multiple classrooms. You only need a large screen and a speaker to take part. (A second device is suggested to allow your class to take part in interactive activities.)

Meet the Presenter

Michael Underwood is a broadcaster and primary school teacher. He spent many years presenting children’s television, including programmes for CBBC and CITV, including the popular adventure show Jungle Run. After more than 20 years working in television and radio, Michael moved into education back in 2018, and now teaches at King's College School in Wimbledon. Combining his experience of engaging young audiences on screen with his passion for teaching, Michael is delighted to be working with The National Archives to bring history to life for children.

Connections to the curriculum

An event beyond living memory that is significant nationally.

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Teaching resource

Great Fire of London: How London changed

Use this lesson to work with original documents which tell the story of the Great Fire of London in 1666.