From the Great Fire to the Blitz: Stories Behind the Firefighter’s Memorial
When people think of devastating fires in the City of London, the Great Fire of 1666 usually comes first to mind. Yet London’s story of fire stretches back much further — from Roman Londinium to the Blitz of the Second World War. Fires have destroyed, reshaped, and defined the city across the centuries.
Today, the Firefighters Memorial near St Paul’s Cathedral stands as a lasting tribute to those who bravely fought these blazes, often at great personal cost.
Fires in London Through the Ages
Roman London and Boudicca’s Flames
In 60 AD, Queen Boudicca’s revolt left Londinium razed to the ground. Archaeologists still use the distinctive layer of charred earth from this destruction as a vital dating marker.
Later, in 120 AD, the Hadrianic Fires saw many buildings deliberately torched, most likely linked to unrest in Roman Britain.
Medieval and Tudor Infernos
London endured repeated fires across the Middle Ages:
- 961 AD: St Paul’s Cathedral destroyed by fire, rebuilt, and then burnt again in 1087.
- 1135: London Bridge burnt down, later replaced with stone.
- 1212 – London’s Deadliest Fire: Thousands perished when fire trapped crowds on London Bridge. Chronicler John Stowe later described the catastrophic loss of life.
- 1633: Another blaze damaged London Bridge — a fire break that unexpectedly slowed the Great Fire of 1666.
The Great Fire of London and Beyond
- 1666 – The Great Fire of London: Destroyed most of medieval London, including St Paul’s Cathedral.
- 1692 – Whitehall Fire: Only the Banqueting Hall survived.
- 1834 – Palace of Westminster Fire: Sparked by burning old tally sticks, it obliterated much of the parliamentary complex.
- 1861 – Tooley Street Fire: Raged for two days, killing James Braidwood, Superintendent of the London Fire Establishment. His bravery is commemorated with a plaque at St Mary Aldermary Church.
The Second Great Fire of London: The Blitz
From September 1940 to May 1941, London endured sustained bombing from the Luftwaffe. Known as the Blitz, it reshaped the city once again.
- 7 September 1940 – the Blitz begins.
- 29 December 1940 – “Bloody Sunday”: One of the most destructive nights of bombing.
- 10–11 May 1941 – massive raids caused widespread devastation.
In the Square Mile alone, 160 people died and 500 were injured, including 250 firefighters. Winston Churchill called them his “heroes with grimy faces”. Many were volunteers.
The Firefighters Memorial at St Paul’s Cathedral
Situated between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge, the Firefighters Memorial was unveiled in 1991 by the Queen Mother.
- Design: Sculpted by John Mills, inspired by a wartime photograph of firefighters at Cannon Street.
- Commemoration: Initially dedicated to those who served during the Blitz, it now honours all UK firefighters who lost their lives in service. The plinth bears 1,192 names.
- Symbolism: The statue of firefighter Cyril Demarne pointing towards St Paul’s recalls the cathedral’s phoenix sculpture and the motto Resurgam (“I shall rise again”).
The memorial’s location makes it a poignant reminder of London’s battles with fire across the centuries.
Women in the Fire Service
During the Second World War, women joined the fire service for the first time as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Fire Service (WAFS).
They worked as drivers, despatch riders, and control operators, and many helped man the pumps during bombing raids.
- Recognition: Their contributions were overlooked at first, with their inclusion on the Firefighters Memorial added only later.
- Gillian “Bobbie” Tanner: At 19, she joined the Auxiliary Fire Service as a driver. She was awarded the George Medal for bravery, and later had a London Fire Brigade boat named in her honour.
Art, Memory and the Blitz
Firefighters and auxiliaries documented their experiences through paintings, many later exhibited in the United States to rally support for Britain. These works remain vivid historical records of resilience and courage.
St Paul’s Cathedral: A Beacon of Hope
St Paul’s Cathedral became a symbol of endurance during the Blitz. Though struck by bombs twice, it was never destroyed.
- St Paul’s Watch: Over 300 volunteers — many retired architects and surveyors — safeguarded the cathedral from incendiary bombs.
- Symbolism: The iconic photograph by Herbert Mason, showing St Paul’s dome rising above the smoke, became an emblem of survival.
Today, visitors can explore the St Paul’s Watch exhibition in the south garden, preserving these powerful wartime stories.
Legacy of Courage
The Firefighters Memorial is more than stone and bronze. It represents London’s resilience, courage, and capacity to rebuild. From Boudicca’s burning of Londinium to the Blitz of the 1940s, London has faced destruction with determination.
Lit at night with a glow reminiscent of fire, the memorial stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and bravery — and of the city’s ability to rise again from the ashes.
👉 Discover More:
- Book a private tour or guided walk with Jenny Funnell
- Visit the Night Watch Exhibition in the south garden of St Paul’s Cathedral
- Find out about the Great Fire of London Monument
