Box 26 Samuel Pepys and the Great Fire of London

This box offers teachers an opportunity to teach pupils about the Great Fire of London and the life of Samuel Pepys in a lively and interactive way. The costumes within the box are ideal for use in role play where two children could be selected to dress as Samuel Pepys and his wife and be interviewed about their experiences of the fire by their classmates. The box is useful as both an introductory tool as well as support throughout the topic of the Great Fire of London.

Ideal for use with Key Stage 1, Year 2

Key learning objectives

• History: To enable pupils to explore the effects of the Great Fire of London and the role played by Samuel Pepys in documenting the event, by handling artefacts and costumes, and by taking part in group activities.

Links with unit 5 of the QCA scheme of work: How do we know about the Great Fire of London?

• Speaking and Listening: To encourage pupils to work effectively as a member of a group, using speaking and listening skills.
• Literacy: To explore the Great Fire of London and the Life of Samuel Pepys using a variety of literary resources.

Box contents

• Costumes include Samuel Pepys and Mrs Pepys
• Artefacts include a Quill pen, Ink pot, pewter spoon and candlestick, candle, clay pipe and coins.
• Resources include labels for display, extracts from Pepys diary, panoramas of London, posters and books.