23rd August 1665 Thomas Blake’s Diary The plague here in London is very bad. Yesterday, I was coming home to Ludgate from Southwark, but when I reached the River Thames, there was no one to take me across. All the men that row the boats are gone – they are either sick or afraid of becoming sick. So, I decided to walk down to London Bridge – the only way across the river now. I crossed the river and continued towards home. As I was walking along Carter Lane, I saw a lot of houses with a red cross on the door. I felt very sad for the people inside and afraid for myself. I decided not to leave my house again, because it is too dangerous. Today, I was looking out of my window for a long time. I didn’t see a single person passing by – they are all inside and the streets are empty. A lot of rich people left London when the plague arrived in spring. King Charles II and his family and friends left the city then, and I heard that they are in Oxford now. I want to leave, too, and go to my cousin’s house in Marlow. However, I am worried that I may take the plague with me, so maybe it is better to stay here in London and wait until the danger passes.