The Great Fire of London: questions to ask and activities to try
In 1666, London's wooden houses caught fire. The Great Fire of London is a striking, beautifully illustrated retelling of the famous disaster.
What age is it for? The Great Fire of London is best for ages 5–8. Good for: The Great Fire of London, 1666.
The Great Fire of London (Emma Adams and James Weston Lewis)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- The Great Fire of London, 1666
Read it before or after learning about the Great Fire at school. Talk about why it spread so fast and how it changed London.
What it helps with
- History
- Cause and effect
- Fire safety
- London then and now
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “When was the Great Fire?”
- “Where did it start?”
- “Why did it spread?”
- “How did people escape?”
- “How did they stop it?”
- “What changed afterwards?”
5-minute activities to try together
Then and now
Compare a picture of old London with London today.
Fire safety
Practise your family fire escape plan.
Free printables: The Great Fire of London worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Big Book of the UK (Imogen Russell Williams and Louise Lockhart)
- Best for
- The wonders, history and customs of the UK
- Age
- 5-8
Everything Under the Sun (Molly Oldfield)
- Best for
- A curious question for every day of the year
- Age
- 5-8
Coming to England (Floella Benjamin and Diane Ewen)
- Best for
- Moving country, and the Windrush generation
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.