Another notable event noticed by an old book in the vestry of Madeley
Church already quoted, is the Great Fire of London, September, 1666,
sixteen years subsequent to the stirring drama previously recorded. It
comes before us in a house-to-house visitation, by the vicar and
churchwardens, for the purpose of raising subscriptions “in aid of a fund
to relieve the sufferings by the Great Fire.”
In this account nine sugar-refiners are said to have lost £20,000; but,
notwithstanding the house-to-house visitation, only £1 2s. 10d. was
raised, which speaks little for the sympathy or wealth of the inhabitants
at that time.