Twas the flames of the night, that caused such a fright

In the great and vibrant city

Merchants arranged, at the Royal Exchange

Yet events to unfold struck pity



Rich noblemen and proud women

Strolling by the River Thames

No time to tarry, new goods to carry

Both silk and spice were gems



Projected below, dark streets narrow

Houses aligned together

O’ tinder dry, would not defy

The elements of the weather



Flames would not wane, on Pudding Lane

John Farynor’s baker’s shop

As the flames took hold, his scared household

Climbed to the nearest roof top

  

As watchmen saw, the sudden roar

Citizens ‘playing for keeps’

Abandon thy home, leave well alone

The diary of Samuel Pepys



With morning anew, it did continue

Warehouse of the riverside

An acrid stench, o’ would not quench

The smoke of which to override



Black clouds be seen, o’ King intervene

Equip your soldiers and band

A decision to take, for a ‘fire-break’

A guinea press into thy hand



With energy spent, make way to the tent

Creations upon Moorfields

Yet to discover, new ways to recover

Bring forth new trade and yields



New plans for when, thy Charles and Wren

Construct and build, be willing

The worthy meets, brought straighter streets

Provide thee with a shilling



We can but climb, as we define

The new magnificent

Brick homes no fall, yet standing tall

The commemorate monument



Written by Geraldine Taylor ©