Model of London burnt last saturday

[SusanDoris]

As far as I could see, most of the houses in the model were quite a bit taller than people, so I have been trying to find out more information about the construction and measurements of the model which was burnt to commemorate the Fire of London but cannot find what I want to know. I know the length of the model was about 120 metres and it appeared to fit on one barge.  I had BBBC 4 on on Sunday evening and was able to get a really good idea of what happened on Saturday.

Can anyone help here, please?

[jeremyp]

As far as I could see, most of the houses in the model were quite a bit taller than people, so I have been trying to find out more information about the construction and measurements of the model which was burnt to commemorate the Fire of London but cannot find what I want to know. I know the length of the model was about 120 metres and it appeared to fit on one barge.  I had BBBC 4 on on Sunday evening and was able to get a really good idea of what happened on Saturday.

Can anyone help here, please?

It wasn't an exact model, but the artist's interpretation. It was also only of a small section of the city. The photos show that it was about four or five houses wide.

http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/london-wooden-model-burn

[SusanDoris]

It wasn't an exact model, but the artist's interpretation. It was also only of a small section of the city. The photos show that it was about four or five houses wide.

http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/london-wooden-model-burn

Thank you for the link,. I see it says there were about 190 buildings, , but it doesn't seem to give the heights. I'll follow the other links on the page later.

[Walt Zingmatilder]

Thank you for the link,. I see it says there were about 190 buildings, , but it doesn't seem to give the heights. I'll follow the other links on the page later.

The making of model villages and towns has ,alas, past its heyday so perhaps there is an element of disappointment in the burning of this.

On the other hand we have a fine tradition of setting fire to models and the destruction of miniature buildings as exemplified in the lost art of Gerry Anderson.
All in all it sounds like a worthwhile exercise.

[SusanDoris]

From what I could see, the buildings must have ranged from 10 - 15 feet tall, otherwise they would have appeared too tiny from the shore I think.

[Gonnagle]

Dear Susan and Jeremyp,

Thank you, that was absolutely fascinating, if I had known this was taking place I would have certainly taken the time and effort to witness it in person.

Do we have any Londoners on the forum who were at this event, it was, and as all the people who helped make it happen said, inspiring.

What is this thing, this fascination with fire, from a cosy little log fire to Bonfire night, this primordial ( is that the right word ) desire, watching something burn.

What was going through the artists mind as he watched his creation burn, it was something quite beautiful but when you think about what it represents, quite chilling.

http://www.visitlondon.com/greatfire350/watchitburn

Watching them build it, some of the structures were easily over 15 foot tall, bloody amazing.

Gonnagle.

[SusanDoris]

I tried watching the you tube but it was too dark. However, the author of Horroble Histories was in it and pointed out that it is a common mistake - made actually by one of the historians in the  BBC 4  broadcast! -to say that the buildings were often thatched. Said author said that, following a fire in the 13th century a law was made that tiles should  be used.