Pudding Lane: The Historic Spark of the Great Fire of London
Pudding Lane: Where the Great Fire of London began, shaping the city’s history and resilience forever.
Pudding Lane, a small street in London’s historic City district, is famously known as the site where the Great Fire of London began in 1666. Once lined with butchers’ stalls and named after the offal ('puddings') carried down to the Thames, it was the bakery of Thomas Farriner here that ignited a blaze which devastated much of medieval London. Today, the lane stands as a symbol of resilience, marked by nearby monuments commemorating the fire’s impact and London’s subsequent rebuilding.
A brief summary to Pudding Ln
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the nearby Monument to the Great Fire for panoramic views and historical insights.
- Explore Eastcheap market area to understand the medieval trade context of Pudding Lane.
- Learn about London’s early fire insurance innovations inspired by the Great Fire.
- Consider a walking tour of the Great Fire trail to see key sites linked to the 1666 disaster.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Monument Station, served by the Circle and District lines, with a 5-10 minute walk to Pudding Lane. Trains run frequently with fares starting at £2.50 using contactless payment.
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Bus
Bus routes 15 and 17 stop near Eastcheap, about a 7-minute walk from Pudding Lane. Buses operate every 10-15 minutes during the day, with single fares around £1.75 using an Oyster card.
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Walking
From London Bridge, a 15-minute walk along the Thames Path leads to Pudding Lane, offering scenic river views. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers.
Pudding Ln location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Pudding Ln
Origins and Name of Pudding Lane
Pudding Lane’s name is rooted not in desserts but in medieval butchery practices. The term 'pudding' referred to animal entrails and offal, which were transported down this lane from the bustling Eastcheap meat market to the River Thames for disposal. Historically, the lane was lined with butchers’ stalls and inhabited by tradespeople such as basketmakers and turners. It also had earlier names like Rother Lane and Red Rose Lane, reflecting its evolving character over centuries.The Great Fire of London Ignites
In the early hours of September 2, 1666, Thomas Farriner’s bakery on Pudding Lane caught fire, reportedly due to sparks from an oven igniting stored flour and fuel. The fire quickly spread, fanned by strong winds, engulfing warehouses along the Thames and then sweeping through the city’s tightly packed wooden buildings. Despite efforts to create firebreaks, the blaze raged for four days, destroying approximately 85% of medieval London, including iconic structures like St Paul’s Cathedral, the Guildhall, and London Bridge.Aftermath and Urban Transformation
The devastation prompted King Charles II to enact the 1667 Rebuilding Act, introducing London’s first building regulations aimed at fire prevention. Pudding Lane also holds the distinction of being one of the world’s earliest designated one-way streets, a traffic order dating back to 1617. The fire’s aftermath spurred innovations such as the establishment of the first fire insurance company in 1680, which issued metal 'fire marks' to insured buildings.Commemoration and Legacy
Near Pudding Lane stands the Monument to the Great Fire, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke, rising 202 feet—the exact distance from the bakery where the fire started. This monument, topped with a gilded urn symbolizing the flames, offers panoramic views of London and serves as a lasting reminder of the city’s resilience. The fire’s legacy also influenced urban planning, architecture, and emergency response practices in London and beyond.Pudding Lane Today
Today, Pudding Lane is a quiet historic street nestled between Eastcheap and Lower Thames Street in the City of London. While much changed after the fire, the lane’s name and its association with the Great Fire remain vivid in London’s cultural memory. It attracts history enthusiasts eager to connect with the origins of one of the most significant events in the city’s past.Cultural Impact and Historical Significance
Pudding Lane has inspired literary works and historical inquiry, symbolizing both catastrophe and renewal. The fire’s narrative includes tales of suspicion, survival, and transformation, reflecting the social and political tensions of 17th-century London. The lane’s story is integral to understanding the city’s evolution from medieval chaos to a modern metropolis shaped by lessons learned from disaster.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.0 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Custom House
0.2 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
113 Cannon St
0.3 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.3 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Cornhill Fountain
0.4 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Lloyd's of London
0.4 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Historic England
0.4 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.4 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.5 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.5 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.6 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.6 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
St James Garlickhythe
0.6 km
Wren's luminous masterpiece on Garlick Hill, where medieval history meets architectural brilliance and mystery.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.6 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fish St Hill
0.1 km
Historic street leading to London Bridge, shadowed by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending centuries of London’s history.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
0.1 km
Discover the whimsical Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture, a quirky landmark in London that showcases the city's creative spirit and vibrant history.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
0.1 km
A historic sanctuary at the foot of London Bridge, where centuries of faith and city life converge in a Baroque masterpiece.
20 Fenchurch St
0.2 km
Iconic London skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie, featuring a stunning three-floor Sky Garden with panoramic city views and rooftop dining.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.2 km
Explore the historic St Margaret Pattens in London, a serene church brimming with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.2 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
0.2 km
A peaceful historic garden oasis in the heart of London’s financial district, blending Gothic ruins with lush greenery and tranquil charm.
St Mary Abchurch
0.3 km
Discover the tranquility of St Mary Abchurch, a historic church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London's financial district, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Lombard St
0.3 km
Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
London Bridge
0.3 km
Discover the historic London Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel offering breathtaking views and a gateway to the heart of London's vibrant culture.
Leadenhall Market
0.3 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
Change Alley
0.3 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
St Michael Cornhill
0.3 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
0.4 km
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
Essential places to dine
14 Hills
0.4 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
George
0.7 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Madison
0.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.0 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.5 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.6 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
St. John
1.6 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Lyle's
1.6 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.7 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Nomadic community
1.8 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
0.5 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
0.5 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Borough Yards
0.7 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
One New Change
0.8 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.9 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Middlesex Textiles
0.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Barbican Shop
1.2 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Spitalfields Market
1.2 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Commercial St
1.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
1.2 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Sclater Street Market
1.3 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.4 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.4 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.1 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
0.2 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.5 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.7 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
0.7 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Nine Lives
0.8 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Dirty Dicks
1.0 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.0 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Discount Suit Company
1.0 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.0 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Old School Yard
1.1 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Aviary
1.3 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.3 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
