The Plague

The first ever recorded plague in London was in 664, with later outbreaks in 1348, 1603, 1625 and 1636.

It was a bubonic plague reported in Holland in 1664 that came to London. The plague was carried by fleas on rats from the continent who entered the City of London via docks, wharves and jetties. The first recorded case was Rebecca Andrews in April 1665, although poor peoples records were seldom kept, so it is likely that she was not the first. 

By Juky 1665, the plague was rife in the City, and the court of King James retreated to Oxford. Many other richer businessmen and professional people who could afford to do so also left and London's houses were boarded up. As the poor were legally prevented from leaving the City, the spread of infection was not halted.

Samuel Pepys was one of the notable people who remained in the City, and the witnessing of the plague is one of the themes of his diary.

Infection would take between 2 to 5 days, with various onset symptoms similar to flu. Most people died within 3 days of contracting the first signs; after rapidly degenerating with pain, breathing difficulty, coma and skin decay.

Unqualified 'plague doctors' would diagnose victims and bodies were buried in plague pits. All cats and dogs in the City were culled, although had they survived, they might have kept the rat population down.

Posies of petals were held under noses to mask the stink of decay and pepper, frankincense and other substances were burned in the belief that strong odours would clear the air. During the plague it was believed that the air was infected, and that it was a punishment from God. 

The plague reached its peak in September with 7,000 deaths per week. In total it is thought that around 100,000 people died, although this number does not include the poor, as their deaths were not officially recorded. 

Bills of Mortality were recorded and printed on sheets that were stuck up in public places to warn people. In September 1665 it shows that 7,165 people died from the plague. Infant mortality was also high, 'teeth' meaning infants who were still teething, and also 42 women died from bacterial infection after giving birth. Typhus (spotted fever) was also recorded: 101 people probably also died from this.