Medieval London

410-1558

Expanding City

1670s-1850s

War, Plague & Fire

1550s-1660s

The century before the Great Fire of 1666 was one of the most turbulent in London’s history

London became a divided city, home to both pleasure seekers and Puritans. The growing city experienced death and disaster: from the execution of King Charles I in 1649, to plague in 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666.

Not to be missed on your visit

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This copper printing plate was used to produce a very detailed map of London – the earliest view of the city known.

Copperplate map of London, about 1558

This is one of 15 copper printing plates used to produce the earliest known map of London. This plate covers the area north of the city, from Shoreditch to just inside the city wall.

Become a Stuart firefighter

In this gallery you can try on a replica of a 17th century helmet worn by firefighters, and compare it to a modern helmet from the London Fire Brigade.

Plague broadsheet comprising 9 scenes relating to the 1665 plague.

Mortality broadsheet illustrated by John Dunstall, 1665

The Great Plague of 1665 killed some 100,000 Londoners. This print shows contemporary scenes of people fleeing from the plague, or receiving treatment and then dying.

Oliver Cromwell's death mask, 1658

This plaster cast was made after the death of Cromwell, the Lord Protector who had fought against Charles I in the Civil Wars. London was at the centre of these conflicts.

Model of the Rose Playhouse

The Rose Theatre, built in 1587 in Southwark, saw first performances of Marlowe's Doctor Faustus and Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus. Look inside with our cutaway model.

Fire Engine, 1678

This engine - basically a barrel on wheels with a central pump- was made after the Great Fire of 1666.

The Great Fire of London, painted around 1675

The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed four-fifths of the City of London. This image conveys the sense of urgency and panic as citizens tried to escape the flames.

Look inside our reconstructed Stuart room

Learn what life was like in 17th century London for a prosperous family, who could afford to fill their home with a rocking horse and a valuable virginal - an early keyboard instrument.

London made delftware

London was a centre of English pottery production, and you can admire a beautiful selection of it in the gallery, from plates commemorating Elizabeth I's reign to this tin-glazed cat jug.

Charles II's Cavalcade through the City of London, 22 April 1661

This painting by Dirck Stoop shows Charles II on the eve of his coronation.

Gallery access

The gallery is open during the museum's normal hours:

10am – 5.40pm

The gallery is on the entrance floor and can be accessed by lift.

Entry free, no ticket required.

War, Plague and Fire also of interest

A curator wearing blue gloves installs a silver plate in a glass display case.

Samuel Pepys's silver plate

What does a newly displayed silver plate tell us about Pepys's London?

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Dutch school unsigned painting of the Great Fire 1666.

3 myths you believe about the Great Fire of London

We tackle some of the enduring misconceptions about the Great Fire of London

Read the story

Shop for Elizabethan jewels

See our jewellery range inspired by the Cheapside Hoard.

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