A true and faithfull account of the several informations exhibited to the honourable committee appointed by the Parliament

A government committee was set up on 25 September 1666 to investigate why the fire started. People gave statements to the committee, many blaming Catholics. None of the evidence was convincing and one committee member said ‘the allegations are very frivolous’. A report was given to Parliament on 22 January 1667 but the king was sure the fire was an accident. The enquiry was then dropped. Unofficial pamphlets were printed about the report, though the government tried to seize copies to prevent them circulating. This is one of the printed reports, entitled 'A true and faithful account of the several informations exhibited to the Honourable Committee appointed by the Parliament to inquire into the late dreadful burning of the City of London. Together with other informations touching the insolency of Popish priests and Jesuites, and the increase of popery; brought to the Honourable Committee appointed by Parliament for that purpose.' The evidence seems to consist mainly of eavesdropped conversations and casual remarks, and sightings of mysterious arsonists throwing fireballs. It demonstrates the prevailing anti-Catholic prejudices in London at the time.