THE SUPPORT offered by Worcester during the Great Fire of London has been remembered at a special commemorative event marking the 350th anniversary of the tragedy.
Hosted by the Lord Mayor of London, representatives from up to 50 towns and boroughs, which raised the most funds to help rebuild the city and support its residents, joined together at a tea party at Mansion House.
An estimated 65,000 people were made homeless by the Great Fire, which ended on September 5 in 1666 and collections were held across the country to raise funds to distribute to those in need.
A total of £12,794 (worth £1.9 million in today’s money) was raised in towns and boroughs throughout England and Wales, with Worcester’s contribution of £230 13s 9d (worth over £100,000 in today’s money) as one of the top 25 largest donations made.
Mayor of Worcester, Coun Paul Denham, represented the city at the event, one of a wide range of activities and performances planned to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London.
He said: “The devastation caused by the Great Fire of London is hardly something to celebrate but this historic milestone does demonstrate just how resilient communities can be when they pull together.
“The people of Worcester showed enormous generosity when this tragedy occurred 350 years ago, I was proud to represent the city as the Lord Mayor of London expressed his gratitude once again.”
