Afternoon:
1:00 p.m. Virtual field trip (70 minutes). We will set out on a virtual field trip to understand the impact of the Reformation on London. King Henry VIII’s desire for a divorce plunged London into 30 years of turmoil: changing the religious, social, political, and economic life of the city forever. From violent religious debates outside St. Paul’s Cathedral, to Smithfield where Protestants were burnt at the stake for their faith, to a Tudor mansion in a former monastery, we will explore places at the very center of England’s religious transformation. 2:10 p.m. Lecture (20 minutes). The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed 52 major halls, 87 churches, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and 13,200 dwellings, leaving around 100,000 Londoners homeless. Ruth will trace the course of the four days in September that destroyed London. 2:30 p.m. Break (15 minutes). 2:45 p.m. Lecture (30 minutes). Antony Robbins — broadcaster, former Communications Director at the Museum of London, and our guest lecturer — will discuss the impact of the Great Fire of London. What lessons were learned? How did the capital rebuild? And why is this 17th century event so deeply burnished into the consciousness of Londoners to this very day? Antony will present his unique perspective on this tumultuous event that occurred during an already turbulent period in British history. 3:15 p.m. Interactive discussion with Q&A (30 minutes). Antony will engage in a discussion focusing on the long-term impact of the Great Fire, how it shaped the city, and its enduring folklore legacy. 3:45 p.m. Wrap-up (15 minutes). We will have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions and plan for tomorrow. 4:00 p.m. Today’s online session will end.