What Caused London's First Epidemic?

Synopsis

355 years before COVID-19, Britain faces another pandemic: The Great Plague of 1665. This devastating outbreak claims 100,000 lives in London, representing 25% of the city's population, and another 100,000 across the rest of the country. In this first episode of a three-part series, the origin of the Great Plague in London is examined, tracking the disease's spread day by day and week by week. The documentary also challenges long-held beliefs about how the plague spread, particularly regarding the role of rats in the epidemic. Viewers gain insight into the historical context and impact of this catastrophic event, setting the stage for understanding pandemics in both the past and present.