Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Teachers' Notes

Resource created by Kirklees Museums and Galleries

This resource explores life in Kirklees at the time of the Great Fire of London in 1666. It examines how people lived, worked, and stayed safe in small villages compared with life in a busy city. Pupils will learn about daily life, farming, markets, churches, and the roles of local families, as well as how communities responded to disasters such as fires, floods, and wars. The resource also looks at local stories, including witchcraft accusations and the Holmfirth Flood of 1852, showing how ordinary people acted quickly, made decisions, and supported their neighbours. Using maps, diaries, buildings, and objects, pupils will discover how life in Kirklees connected to wider national events and how local communities developed over time. 

Curriculum links: KS1 History: “events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally”, such as the Great Fire of London, and “a local history study”. 

Context: 

The seventeenth century was a time of great change in England. Kings James I and Charles I ruled during this period, but disagreements between the King and Parliament about money and power led to the English Civil Wars between 1642 and 1651. Royalists supported the King, while Parliamentarians believed Parliament should have more power. Families across England were affected, and many had to choose sides. 

After the war, King Charles I was executed and England became a republic ruled by Oliver Cromwell. In 1660, the monarchy was restored with Charles II becoming king. Religion was also important at this time. The Church of England was the official church, but some people held different beliefs. Over time, laws such as the Act of Toleration in 1689 allowed more freedom of worship. 

Life in towns could be crowded and dangerous. London was the largest city in England, with narrow streets, wooden houses, and open fires. In 1666, the Great Fire of London started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and spread quickly, destroying homes, shops, and churches. The fire showed how people lived close together and led to new rules about building safely. 

In contrast, rural areas such as Kirklees were mostly made up of villages where people relied on farming, crafts, and local markets. Comparing London with places like Kirklees helps us understand how life could be very different depending on where people lived. 

Learning objectives: 

  • Identify key facts about life in London and Kirklees during the seventeenth century 
  • Describe how people lived and worked in villages compared with a large town 
  • Compare the Great Fire of London with the Holmfirth Flood 

Discussion and Activity Ideas: 

  • Reading: As a class, read Short Histories: The Baker’s Boy and the Great Fire of London by Tom Bradman and Tony Bradman.
  • Art: Design and build a 3D model of a seventeenth-century house. Think about the materials used and how people tried to stay safe from fire.

Heritage is…

  • Health: People in the past used buckets of water, sand, or blankets to stop fires spreading. How do we keep ourselves safe at home and at school today?
  • British Values: After the Great Fire of London, new rules were introduced to make buildings safer. Why are rules important in our communities?
  • Citizenship: During disasters like fires or floods, neighbours often helped each other. How can we support others when something goes wrong?

Glossary: 

  • Carding – A process of preparing wool fibres so they can be spun into yarn.
  • Embankment – A wall or bank built to hold back water.
  • Flood – When water covers land that is usually dry.
  • Hearth – The area in a house where a fire is kept for warmth or cooking.
  • Manor – A large house and the land around it owned by a wealthy family.
  • Market Charter – Official permission to hold a market.
  • Nonconformist – A person who did not follow the Church of England.
  • Parliamentarian – Someone who supported Parliament during the English Civil War.
  • Reservoir – A place where water is stored.
  • Royalist – Someone who supported the King during the English Civil War.
  • Thatch – A roof made from straw or reeds.