Faith & Fire Discovery Day - Exploring Science, Faith & The Fire of London

for 5 hours
St Olave Hart Street
8 Hart Street City of London, EC3R 7NB, United Kingdom

Explore the Great Fire of London through live fire science demonstrations, history and faith at Samuel Pepys' church. Free family event.

What can the Great Fire of London still teach us today?

Join us at St Olave Hart Street, Samuel Pepys' ‘own church’ and one of the few to survive the Great Fire, for a unique afternoon bringing together science, history and faith.

Experience live fire science demonstrations led by Professor Guillermo Rein and the Hazelab team from Imperial College London on Seething Lane Gardens, the site of Pepys' home. Inside St Olave's and neighbouring All Hallows by the Tower, discover interactive exhibitions exploring the science of fire, Pepys' eyewitness account, biblical imagery, and how the church has interpreted the Great Fire over the centuries.

Whether you're fascinated by London's history, curious about science or interested in faith, this free event offers fresh perspectives on one of the defining moments in the City's story—and invites us to reflect on resilience, hope, community and our relationship with fire in an age of climate change.

Suitable for adults, families and anyone with an interest in history, science and the role of Samuel Pepys documenting the start, spread and suppression of the Great Fire

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St Olave Hart Street

St Olave Hart Street. Founded in 1050 and dedicated to a Viking warrior who became King and then Patron Saint of Norway. The first healing miracle here associated with Olaf is recorded in the twelfth century.

A Great Fire survivor & miraculously restored after the blitz, the story of this church is entwined with London’s mercantile and maritime past. Some jest that the whole world has passed through this tiny parish. Samuel Pepys, buried beneath the altar, called it his “own church”; the poet John Betjeman described it as, “a country church in the world of Seething Lane.” City and countryside. Warrior and healer. Like our own lives, the story of this place is layered rather than clear cut. A place where apparent opposites are held in holy tension.

Our unusual east window shows both Christ in his passion - suffering on the cross – and an image of Christ in glory, the cross shining brightly behind. An artistic representation of the seemingly polar opposite at the heart of our faith. That the death of Christ on the cross has, through his resurrection, brought the promise of new life for us and for the whole world.That is the Good News we proclaim here each day. Not easy answers, but a living hope — which is offered freely by Christ to all who turn to Him.  


Safeguarding statement: The parish of St Olave Hart Street is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of London’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

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EC3R 7NB

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Faith & Fire Discovery Day - Exploring Science, Faith & The Fire of London

for 5 hours
St Olave Hart Street
8 Hart Street City of London, EC3R 7NB, United Kingdom

Explore the Great Fire of London through live fire science demonstrations, history and faith at Samuel Pepys' church. Free family event.

What can the Great Fire of London still teach us today?

Join us at St Olave Hart Street, Samuel Pepys' ‘own church’ and one of the few to survive the Great Fire, for a unique afternoon bringing together science, history and faith.

Experience live fire science demonstrations led by Professor Guillermo Rein and the Hazelab team from Imperial College London on Seething Lane Gardens, the site of Pepys' home. Inside St Olave's and neighbouring All Hallows by the Tower, discover interactive exhibitions exploring the science of fire, Pepys' eyewitness account, biblical imagery, and how the church has interpreted the Great Fire over the centuries.

Whether you're fascinated by London's history, curious about science or interested in faith, this free event offers fresh perspectives on one of the defining moments in the City's story—and invites us to reflect on resilience, hope, community and our relationship with fire in an age of climate change.

Suitable for adults, families and anyone with an interest in history, science and the role of Samuel Pepys documenting the start, spread and suppression of the Great Fire

View attachment

Safeguarding

Our parish of St Olave Hart Street is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of London’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.

Read more.

St Olave Hart Street Charity No. 1130893