The World of Samuel Pepys

The Great Plague

Bubonic Plague

Bubonic plague is one of three types of bacterial infections caused by rat fleas. The infection kills two-thirds of infected humans within 4 days. Signs of the bubonic plague are an infection of the lymph glands; boils, or swellings are commonly found in the armpits, groin or neck area. Additionally, the nose, fingers, lips and toes will suffer from gangrene.

The Black Death

The bubonic plague is most likely the cause of the black death which rolled through Europe starting in the 14th century. The Black Death lasted from 1347 until 1750. In total it killed about 25 million people or 30%-60% of the European population. Plague had already hit London four times previously: in 1592, 1603, 1625 and 1636.

The “Great” Plague

The Great Plague had set up residence in the city of London by the summer of 1665. It forced the able, that is the wealthy, to abandon the city. Not all the wealthy left; Samuel Pepys remained and documented the year in his diary. Though it was a grim year for the city, it was actually quite a good year for Pepys. His personal fortune quadrupled. At its peak, 7000 people per week were succumbing. The plague continued until approximately the Great Fire of London. It is widely believed today that the fire killed the rats that were spreading the infection, thus ending this episode of the plague.

While it lasted, the Great Plague killed 100,000 people, or approximately 20% of London’s population. This was the final of several major epidemics that shook London.