Pepys: Fire of London
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London in 1666 was a health and safety nightmare. It was illegal to
build with wood and thatch but people did it anyway. Foundries were
forbidden in the city but that didn't stop them operating. Charles II
had banned dangerous overhanging windows but this was ignored by local
government who carried on building them regardless. Many homes still
contained muskets and gunpowder left over from Cromwell's time. Six
hundred tons of highly potent gunpowder were stored in the Tower of
London itself. Riverfront warehouses were full of oil and tallow. There
was no fire service.
In Pudding Lane, on 2 September, after a day of slaving over a hot
oven, Thomas Farrinor, baker to King Charles II, went to bed unaware
that his oven was still alight. The smouldering embers ignited some
nearby firewood and by 1 o'clock in the morning his house was ablaze. A
strong wind on that September morning ensured that sparks flew
everywhere . . .
Samuel Pepys' diary of the following days, dramatised by Hattie Naylor,
reveals the unfolding drama.
Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick
and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque
guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika
Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.
Historical consultant: Liza Picard
Sound by Nigel Lewis
A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.
Credits
Adaptor.....Hattie Naylor
Samuel Pepys.....Kris Marshall
Elizabeth Pepys.....Katherine Jakeways
Will.....John Biddle
King Charles.....Ewan Bailey
Jane.....Rebecca Newman
Mayor Bludworth.....Matthew Gravelle
Mr Howells.....Dick Bradnum
Mr Houblon.....Richard Nichols
Mrs Wood.....Siriol Jenkins
Mrs Batelier.....Eiry Thomas
Replies
There have been seven series of dramatizations of Pepys' diary.
I have the first six all cleaned up and just downloaded series seven.
Do you want them?
Yes I have some but it would be nice to know just what I have and haven't, Please Yes. -------------- R
There are seven series, each composed of five short pieces.
I'll work on cleaning up the last set, then post them
I think then what I have is 5 and 6 in aac format, but I am not totally certain. ------------- R
Working on it, boss.
You can't be talking to me, I'm nobodies boss. The only boss in this house is my wife.
And THAT, my friend is what is meant by SWMBO. :>)
As always, thanks, Rick!