Wisdom Weaves · · 2 min read

One small bakery, one toast gone rogue

Is the oven still on?

One small bakery, one toast gone rogue
Photo by British Library / Unsplash

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Welcome to Wisdom Weaves: Micro-Moments! 🌟

Hey there! Have you ever wished you could find nuggets of wisdom that fit perfectly into your busy day? Look no further! At Wisdom Weaves, we're bringing you those 'a-ha' moments in the simplest, most down-to-earth way possible.
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History Snippets: Who said history was boring? We've got bite-sized tales that'll make you go, "Huh, I didn't know that!". On today's page, let's see what a small bakery can do with a big oven!

In 1666, amidst the backdrop of plague and pestilence, a little spark in a bakery on Pudding Lane ignited a chain of events that would become the Great Fire of London. Picture this: a baker, Thomas Farriner, went to bed, leaving his oven on, and the rest, as they say, is history.

As the flames danced their way through the city, the citizens of London were caught in a whirlwind of panic and chaos. But, amidst the smoke and the ashes, a group of witty Londoners decided to make the best of a bad situation. They formed a bucket brigade, passing water from hand to hand, and sang bawdy songs to keep their spirits up.

Adrian Tinniswood, By Permission of Heaven: The Story of the Great Fire of London (London: Jonathan Cape, 2003), pp. 76–77

Meanwhile, the city's street urchins, ever resourceful, saw an opportunity in the chaos. They turned the fire into a game of 'catch the burning ember,' using their nimbleness to dodge and weave through the flames, becoming the unexpected heroes of the day. Without this game, even more things would have taken part in the fire dance.

The Great Fire of London, with Ludgate and Old St Paul's - Unknown Author, oil on canvas

As the fire raged on, the city's architects and builders saw an opportunity to rebuild London in a grander style. They proposed wider streets, grander buildings, and a more modern city. And so, the Great Fire of London became not just a disaster but a catalyst for change, a chance for the city to rise from the ashes like a phoenix.

And so, dear friends, the Great Fire of London, with all its tragedy and destruction, stands as a testament to the wit, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the people of London. This spirit continues to shine through the city's history.

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