Mysteries at the Monument Season 3 Episode 12 Disaster That Saved London

In season 3 episode 12 of Mysteries at the Monument, titled Disaster That Saved London, host Don Wildman takes viewers on a journey to explore one of the most devastating disasters in London's history. The episode revolves around the Great Fire of London, which broke out on September 2, 1666, and destroyed much of the city. However, the show takes a new approach to the story, highlighting how this natural disaster helped London emerge as a stronger and more resilient city.

The episode begins with Don Wildman standing in front of the Monument to the Great Fire of London, which was erected in the 17th century to commemorate the disaster. Wildman notes that the monument stands at 202 feet tall, which is the exact distance from the source of the fire to where it was finally extinguished. Wildman emphasizes that this episode will not only explore the devastation that the fire caused but how it ultimately led to the betterment of London.

Next, Wildman takes viewers on a tour of the Tower of London, the oldest and most iconic fortress in London. However, the show takes an unexpected turn as Wildman introduces viewers to a lesser-known aspect of the tower's history. Wildman explains that during the Great Fire of London, the tower became a prison for many of the city's most destitute inhabitants. Through various interviews and reenactments, the show reveals the squalid and inhumane conditions that these prisoners faced, even during a natural crisis.

The show then moves to other iconic landmarks and sites of London, such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Thames River. Each location brings a new perspective to the Great Fire of London and highlights how the disaster shaped the city. For instance, the episode delves into how the fire ultimately led to the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral by Sir Christopher Wren, which established London as a hub for architectural innovation.

The episode also explores how the Great Fire of London contributed to the improvement of fire safety regulations in the city. Wildman interviews experts and scholars who explain how the disaster led to the creation of the first-ever fire insurance firm and changes to the building codes. These developments boosted safety standards and helped prevent future fires from reaching the catastrophic scale of the 1666 fire.

Throughout the episode, Wildman brings an engaging and informative tone, relaying the historical significance of each of the sites he visits and vividly describing the events that led to the Great Fire. He presents an in-depth and nuanced perspective on how the disaster helped shape London into the bustling city it is today. The overall experience of watching the episode is engaging and informative, providing a fresh and unique take on the Great Fire of London.

In summary, Disaster That Saved London is a captivating and informative journey through London's history, exploring how a disaster that destroyed much of the city led to its ultimate betterment. The episode achieves a balance of education and entertainment, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of the Great Fire of London while keeping them engaged with Wildman's in-depth and personable presentation style.