Certainly! Here’s a professionally rephrased version of the Reddit post, suitable for a WordPress blog article:
Reflections on the Anniversary of the Great Fire of London: A Historical Perspective
The devastating Great Fire of London, which raged through the city in September 1666, remains one of the most infamous catastrophes in English history. As we observe the anniversary of this tragic event, it offers a moment to reflect not only on the fire itself but also on the social atmosphere and the reactions it provoked.
Early Suspicions and the Spread of Mistrust
Historical accounts suggest that by Monday morning, public suspicion about the disaster being a deliberate act had taken hold. Andrew Tinniswood, in his detailed recounting of the event, notes that the Earl of Clarendon observed how societal sentiment shifted from initial shock to the collective belief that the fire was not accidental. Interestingly, as early as the previous day, some Londoners had perceived signs of deliberate arson.
On Sunday afternoon, Thomas Middleton, a city surgeon residing near Fleet Street, witnessed multiple fires breaking out across different neighborhoods, which fueled his suspicion that the disaster was intentionally maintained. Rumors quickly gained traction—particularly the notion that foreign enemies, specifically the Dutch, had set the city ablaze in retaliation. One widely circulated story claimed that the fire originated from the Dutch-owned bakery in Pudding Lane, and further reports suggested that Dutch and French instigators might have used incendiary devices to exacerbate the destruction.
Xenophobia and Violence in the Aftermath
These suspicions quickly fermented into a wave of xenophobic hostility. Mob violence targeting foreigners became commonplace amid the chaos. William Taswell, an eyewitness, recounted scenes of looting and assault, including the attack on a French painter’s shop and brutal violence against French nationals in the streets. Such acts of violence reflected a deep-seated suspicion of foreigners, many of whom had made London their home, especially those fleeing religious persecution in continental Europe.
The Foreign Community in 1666 London
The foreign population in London was substantial, numbering in the thousands during that period. They included diplomats, artisans, refugees, and skilled workers, many of whom were fleeing religious conflicts such as the Thirty Years’ War. Census data from the late 16th and early 17th centuries highlight a significant presence of French, Dutch, Walloon, Italian, and other European nationals. Many of these individuals contributed to the city’s vibrant cultural