3. Samuel Pepys and The Great Fire of London - part 1

Exploring London - and the River Thames in particular - in the period immediately before the Great Fire.

We learn the songs 'Flow, flow, flow' and 'Loaves of bread and puddings and pies'. We also hear from Samuel Pepys' about the terrible plague in London in the previous year (1665) in extracts from his diaries and visit Thomas Farrynor’s bakery in Pudding Lane, where the Great Fire started.

Duration: 13' 37"

A soft, lyrical song about the rising and falling waters of the River Thames.

Once you have learnt the song using the vocal version you could try singing to the backing track only.

Click here for the backing track version of the song or go to the Clips page.

Duration: 1' 23"

A contrasting song that is lively with a quick tempo.

Once you have learnt the song using the vocal version you could try singing to just the backing track.

Click here for the backing track version of the song or go to the Clips page.

Duration: 0' 50"

Mime the actions of some 17th century instruments in time with the music.

The recorder and flageolet (another kind of whistle or flute), viol, theorbo (a kind of big lute) and harpsichord (a keyboard instrument, like an early piano).

Duration: 1' 20"