On the evening of Monday 11 May 2026, join Vanessa Harding, Professor Emeritus of London History at Birkbeck, University of London for History at The Hall – London on the eve of the Great Fire of 1666
Vanessa Harding, Professor Emeritus of London History at Birkbeck, University of London, discusses the challenges of reconstructing a vanished city, its people and its busy life – creating a map of London on the eve of the fire that devastated the city centre in September 1666. Professor Harding's research and writing focus on medieval and early modern London, and especially its people and built environment. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and an Honorary Vice-President of the Royal Historical Society. She is currently Chair of Trustees at the Historic Towns Trust and leading the Trust’s project to map London on the eve of the Great Fire of 1666.
Tickets for History at The Hall – London on the eve of the Great Fire of 1666 are priced at £15 per person and include light refreshments after the talk.
Members of the Company (Freemen, Liverymen, Members of The Court) should login to the Member’s Portal to book their tickets.
Doors will open at 17:45 for a prompt 18:00 start
Bookings for this event open on Monday 16 March 2026 - Sign up to our newsletter to be notified when tickets go on sale.
Terms & Conditions
Tickets for History at The Hall – London on the eve of the Great Fire of 1666 are priced at £15 per person and include light refreshments after the talk and are non refundable
Tickets must be booked in the name of the person who is attending - photo ID that matches the name on the booking will be required to gain entry.
Security & bag policy
Goldsmiths’ Hall operates Airport style enhanced security procedures for all public events - these include a bag scanner and a security arch. Suitcases and items larger than a laptop bag are not permitted inside the building. Unmanned cloakroom facilities will be provide free of charge for coats, bags and umbrellas.
Disabled access to Goldsmiths’ Hall
The main entrance to Goldsmiths’ Hall is on Foster Lane and may not be suitable for visitors who require step-free access. Those who are require level access from street level should ring the bell on Carey Lane, for assistance and access by lift. If you have any concerns or questions about visiting the building, please email us.
The public rooms of Goldsmiths’ Hall are located on the first floor, and can be accessed by lift from within the ground floor lobby.