Holograph letter about the Great Fire of London

In this letter, dated 18 September 1666, Henry Griffith writes about the Great Fire of London to his relative, also called Henry Griffith, in Benthall, Shropshire. He describes how the fire started, how it spread too fast to be put out, the reaction of Londoners ('some went to stealing, others to looke on') and lists the streets and buildings that burnt.

Henry also comments on the suspected plot to start the fire and says that Dutch and French people have been arrested for laying down powder and throwing fire balls. However, he blames 'national sinns' as the true cause of the fire, saying it was God's judgement.

Interestingly Henry goes on to confess that his relative's trunk was stolen after it was carried out to the fields for safety. He is trying to track it down but has had no luck so far. Their cousin Edwards and a Mr String have lost everything and another cousin, John Jones, 'has extremely suffred'.