What Happened to the Baker Who Started the Fire of London?

By Robert Palmer

In 1666, one of the most devastating fires in the history of London took place. The Great Fire of London started on September 2 and burned for almost four days, destroying more than 13,000 homes and causing damage to many more. The fire was so severe that it even melted the lead roof of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

One question that has puzzled historians for years is who or what caused the fire? While there have been many theories over the years, one name that often comes up is that of Thomas Farriner – a baker who lived in Pudding Lane, where the fire started. But what actually happened to Farriner after the fire?

Many people believed that Farriner was responsible for starting the Great Fire of London. According to reports, he had left a pile of smoldering embers in his oven on the night of September 1. These embers are believed to have ignited nearby wood shavings, which quickly spread to other parts of his bakery and then to neighboring buildings.

Farriner was brought before a special commission appointed by King Charles II to investigate the causes of the fire. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he had doused the embers with water before going to bed that night. However, his apprentice contradicted his story and testified that he had not done so.

Despite this evidence against him, Farriner was eventually acquitted of any wrongdoing. Some historians speculate that this was because he was a well-respected member of society with connections to powerful people.

After his acquittal, Farriner continued to work as a baker in London but moved away from Pudding Lane. He died in 1670 and is buried in St. Margaret’s Church in Westminster.

While we may never know for sure whether or not Thomas Farriner was responsible for starting the Great Fire of London, his name will forever be associated with one of the most significant events in English history. The fire led to widespread changes in building regulations and fire prevention measures, helping to ensure that similar disasters would not happen again in the future.

In conclusion, the story of Thomas Farriner is a fascinating one, and his role in the Great Fire of London will continue to be debated by historians for generations to come. However, what we do know is that this tragic event had a profound impact on London and its people, and it will always be remembered as a defining moment in English history.