Old St. Paul's (novel)

John Franklin - Paul's Walk

Old St. Paul's: A Tale of the Plague and the Fire is a historical novel by William Harrison Ainsworth, first published in 1841. The novel is set in London during the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666. It is one of Ainsworth's most famous works and is notable for its vivid descriptions of these two catastrophic events.

Plot Summary

The story follows the lives of several characters as they navigate the perils of the plague and the fire. The central character is Leonard Holt, an apprentice to a grocer named Stephen Bloundel. Leonard is in love with Bloundel's daughter, Amabel, but faces numerous obstacles in his pursuit of her, including the machinations of the villainous Sir Paul Parravicin.

As the plague ravages London, the characters experience loss, fear, and desperation. The narrative provides a detailed account of the impact of the plague on the city's inhabitants, including the quarantine measures, the mass burials, and the general atmosphere of panic and despair.

The latter part of the novel shifts focus to the Great Fire of London, which further devastates the city. The fire scenes are depicted with dramatic intensity, highlighting the chaos and destruction that ensue.

Characters

• Leonard Holt: The protagonist, an apprentice grocer who is in love with Amabel Bloundel.
• Amabel Bloundel: The daughter of Stephen Bloundel, who becomes the object of Leonard's affection.
• Stephen Bloundel: A grocer and Amabel's father, who is protective of his daughter.
• Sir Paul Parravicin: The antagonist, a libertine who schemes to win Amabel's favor.
• Doctor Hodges: A physician who plays a crucial role in combating the plague.

Themes

The novel explores themes of love, heroism, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of disaster. It also provides a critique of the social and medical responses to the plague and fire, highlighting the bravery and selflessness of some individuals while condemning the selfishness and cowardice of others.

Historical Context

Old St. Paul's is set against the backdrop of two of the most significant events in London's history. The Great Plague of London was the last major outbreak of bubonic plague in England, killing an estimated 100,000 people. The Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city, including the original St. Paul's Cathedral, which was later rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren.

Legacy

The novel remains a significant work in the genre of historical fiction and is praised for its detailed and accurate portrayal of 17th-century London. It has been adapted into various formats, including stage plays and radio dramas.

See Also

• William Harrison Ainsworth
• Great Plague of London
• Great Fire of London
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Historical fiction