Fire of London Anniversary Ride – Southwark Cyclists Healthy Ride.

Start/finish Canada Water Library, SE16 7AR (opposite Canada Water Station)

Easy-paced ride using as far as possible quiet streets or paths.  Route will ride round the perimeter of the great fire that occurred 350 years ago, on Sept 2^nd 1666.  From Canada Water along the south of the river route (Nat Route 4) to Southwark Bridge. Then along EW superhighway to the Monument where we will of course have a short stop.  Then on to Tower Hill and round the north edge of the fire, stopping at St Helens, Bishopsgate to view the plaque (this church and surrounding wooden buildings amazingly survived the fire).  Some detours probable to sites associated with Robert Hooke, who as well as being an eminent scientist was also City Surveyor and responsible for planning the rebuilding of London after the fire.  Return via Middle Temple and Blackfriars Bridge.  Then home along the south bank route with a short stop at Bear Gardens, the site a small fire started by sparks blown across the river.  More history at http://thames.me.uk/s00049b.htm. Info about the 350^th events at http://www.ifsecglobal.com/the-great-fire-of-london-a-programme-of-events-to-mark-the-350th-anniversary/