Great Fire of London Prophecies

The Great Fire of London, which devastated the city in September 1666, was allegedly predicted by several prophets, including Mother Shipton and Nostradamus. While the predictions remain disputed in their authenticity and interpretation, they represent enduring examples of claimed prophetic foresight.

The Fire

Beginning September 2, 1666, the fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane, burned for four days, destroyed 13,200 houses, consumed 87 churches, and burned St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Mother Shipton’s Prophecy

The Yorkshire prophetess allegedly wrote “London shall be destroyed by fire” and predicted the year 1666, however the prophecy’s authenticity is disputed as it may have been added after the fact, with first published accounts appearing later.

Nostradamus

Century 2, Quatrain 51 states “The blood of the just will be demanded of London” and “Burnt by fire in the year ‘66,” which seems remarkably specific, however translation varies and some dispute the reference.

The Number 666

People noted that 1666 contained “666,” the Number of the Beast, and fears were already high as the date seemed significant, leading to apocalyptic interpretations.

Contemporary Beliefs

At the time, many believed prophecies were fulfilled and the fire seemed divine punishment, especially since plague had struck the year before and signs and portents were taken seriously.

William Lilly

The astrologer published hieroglyphics in 1651 where some saw fire depicted, was questioned by Parliament, was cleared of causing the fire, and had his predictions analyzed.

Skeptical Analysis

Problems with prophecies include that many are vague, fitted to events after the fact, Mother Shipton’s may be fake, Nostradamus is always ambiguous, and confirmation bias plays a role.

The Investigation

After the fire, Parliament investigated and suspected arson, foreign agents were blamed, Lilly was questioned, but the cause was ultimately determined to be accidental.

Cultural Impact

The prophecies enhanced reputations of seers, increased belief in prophecy, were used to support various causes, are still cited today, and have become part of London’s lore.

Significance

The Great Fire prophecies are significant for involving a major historical event, having multiple alleged predictions, creating debates over authenticity, illustrating prophecy interpretation, and demonstrating cultural persistence.

Legacy

Whether Mother Shipton or Nostradamus truly foresaw the Great Fire of London remains unprovable. The claims illustrate how humans seek prophetic meaning in disasters and how easily vague predictions can be fitted to events after the fact.