When was the Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of London was a devastating event that occurred in the year 1666. It started on the 2nd of September and continued for four days until it was finally extinguished on the 6th of September.

The Beginning

The fire originated in a bakery located on Pudding Lane in the city of London. The bakery was owned by Thomas Farriner and his family. It is believed that the fire started when a spark from the bakery's oven ignited some nearby straw.

Spread and Destruction

Due to strong winds and the largely wooden structures that made up the city at the time, the fire quickly spread to the surrounding buildings. The dry summer had also created perfect conditions for the fire to rage out of control.

The flames engulfed homes, shops, and even churches. The iconic St. Paul's Cathedral was among the many structures that fell victim to the devastating fire. It is estimated that approximately 87 churches, 13,200 houses, and numerous other buildings were destroyed in the blaze.

Efforts to Stop the Fire

The city's firefighters, known as the "firemen," were ill-equipped to handle such a large-scale disaster. Their manual firefighting methods, such as using leather buckets and hand pumps, proved ineffective against the raging inferno.

King Charles II himself ordered the creation of firebreaks by blowing up buildings with gunpowder in a desperate attempt to stop the fire from spreading further. However, these efforts were mostly in vain as the fire continued to rage on.

Aftermath

After four long days, the fire was finally extinguished on the 6th of September. It is estimated that the fire had consumed an area of approximately 436 acres, equivalent to 70% of the city of London.

The Great Fire of London left approximately 100,000 people homeless and took a severe toll on the city's economy. Despite the destruction, only six deaths were officially recorded, although it is believed that the number of casualties was much higher.

Reconstruction and the Legacy

Following the fire, plans were made for the reconstruction of the city. Renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren played a significant role in the rebuilding process and was responsible for the design and construction of numerous iconic landmarks, including the new St. Paul's Cathedral.

The Great Fire of London served as a turning point for the city's urban planning. Regulations were put in place to prevent the use of highly flammable materials in construction. Wider streets and buildings with more fire-resistant materials were also encouraged.

In conclusion, the Great Fire of London occurred in 1666 and caused immense devastation to the city. It led to significant changes in the city's architecture and firefighting methods, ultimately shaping the future of London.