RSA Insurance : History Rocks! Great Fire of 1666 book published

A landmark event that sparked the birth of the insurance industry

The Great Fire was a landmark event for Britain. It started on 2 September 1666 and burned non-stop for four days, reaching temperatures of 1700 Celsius (about 3900 Fahrenheit), which is hotter than liquid lava from a volcano.

The lethal spark in Pudding Lane not only set the Great Fire burning, but also ignited the birth of insurance companies, the London Fire Brigade and led to the creation of a new St Paul's Cathedral, Guildhall and Royal Exchange and the Monument.

'The Sun Fire Office, one of the original fire insurance companies established after the Great Fire, lives on today in RSA. We are proud to have been able to help commemorate this historical event and pleased to announce that, with Guy Fox History Project, we will be donating 10,000 books to children, schools, libraries and community groups across the UK. We would like to thank the staff and pupils of Redriff Primary School for their enthusiasm and outstanding illustrations.'

-Natalie Tickle.

'Not only does the book tell the story of the Great Fire and the Great Rebuilding afterwards, it celebrates the resilience of the City of London and the innovative spirit of the people who work there.'

-Kourtney Harper, creative director of Guy Fox History Project.

-ENDS-