Great Fire Of London Cardboard House

Grab Your Cardboard, Let's Time-Travel to 1666!

Hey there, history buffs and crafty folks! Today, we're diving into a fun, hands-on project that'll make you feel like you're right in the middle of the Great Fire of London. No, we're not talking about a fancy VR game (though that would be cool!), we're talking about building your very own cardboard house!

Why Cardboard, You Ask?

Well, first off, it's super easy to find and affordable. Secondly, it's a fantastic way to teach kids (and adults!) about history, architecture, and even a bit of physics. Plus, it's a great excuse to get crafty and have some fun!

Now, you might be wondering, "What does this have to do with the Great Fire of London?" Great question! In 1666, London was a city of wooden houses, and when a small fire started in a bakery, it spread quickly, destroying around 13,200 houses. By building a cardboard house, you'll get a tiny taste of what that might have been like.

Let's Get Started!

First things first, you'll need some supplies. Grab a big box of cardboard (the bigger, the better!), scissors, a ruler, a pencil, and some glue or tape. If you're feeling fancy, you can also use paint or markers to decorate your house.

Now, let's design our house. The Great Fire of London destroyed many timber-framed houses, so let's make ours in that style. Sketch out a simple design on paper first, then use your ruler and pencil to draw it onto the cardboard. You'll need a base, four walls, and a roof. Don't forget to cut out some windows and a door!

Once you've cut out all your pieces, it's time to assemble. Use your glue or tape to stick them together. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even make some furniture to go inside your house. Just remember, no real fire, okay? We don't want a repeat of 1666!

History Lesson in a Box

While you're crafting, why not learn a bit more about the Great Fire? You can look up some fun facts, or even read a story about it. You might be surprised to learn that the fire actually helped London in the long run. It led to new building regulations, making London a safer place to live.

A collection of printable teaching resources history resources for

And there you have it! A fun, hands-on history lesson that'll have you feeling like a real-life architect. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies and let's get crafting!

You Did It! Now What?

Now that you've built your cardboard house, why not turn it into a game? Pretend it's a real house in 17th-century London and act out a story. You could be a brave firefighter trying to put out the fire, or a family evacuating their home. The possibilities are endless!

And hey, if you're feeling inspired, why not learn more about other historical events? You could build a pyramid out of sugar cubes for Ancient Egypt, or make a paper volcano for Pompeii. The world's your oyster, history lover!

So, go on, get crafty, learn something new, and most importantly, have fun! Because at the end of the day, that's what life's all about. Happy crafting!