Pepys Day 2026 takes place on Friday, 4 September 2026. The event features guided walking tours and historical ceremonies commemorating the diarist’s accounts of the Great Fire of London – https://bit.ly/4opBzvS.
In September 1666 the Great Fire of London swept through the City. Man-about-town Samuel Pepys witnessed and recorded the events of that extraordinary week. The fire started at 01.00 on 2 September and by mid-morning Pepys was writing about it in his diary. The fire was put out on 6 September.
As Lord Mayor 2023-2024 with the City of London Guide Lecturers Association, we began marking Pepys Day in 2024 on the Friday closest to those dates. 2024 and 2025 were enormously successful and increased from 250 to 500 participants.
Temple Bar Ceremony: Gates opened in Paternoster Square by the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers at 11:00, and some readings from Mr Pepys himself (free).
“To the Exchange and Beyond” Walk: Departs from the City Information Centre in St Paul’s Churchyard at 12:00, 12:05, 12:10, 12:15, and 12:20. Explores eastern City locations from Pepys’ life and the Great Fire. (£16.96)
“To the Wedding Cake and Beyond” Walk: Departs St Paul’s at 12:02, 12:07, 12:12, 12:17, and 12:22. Explores his baptism site, childhood area, and social venues. (£16.96)
Please help us in promoting these walks to ward clubs, friends, family, and City workers & residents, in conjunction with the Temple Bar event; make it a long lunchtime break. The City of London Guide Lecturers Association will, as before, donate all net proceeds to the Lady Mayors Appeal.
Please find booking link and feel free to help promote on LinkedIn, with thanks in advance!
