Great Fire of London

Quick Facts: Who was Great Fire of London?

Subject:

Great Fire of London

Known for:

The devastating 1666 conflagration that consumed the medieval City of London.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Great Fire of London occurred from Sunday 2 September to Wednesday 5 September 1666, gutting the medieval City of London inside the old Roman city wall, while also extending past the wall to the west. The death toll is generally thought to have been relatively small, although some historians have challenged this belief. The fire started in a bakery in Pudding Lane shortly after midnight on Sunday 2 September and spread rapidly. The main firefighting technique of the time was the creation of firebreaks by means of removing structures in the fire's path. The Lord Mayor, Sir Thomas Bloodworth, hesitated in giving the order to employ this method.

Career & Major Achievements

By the time large-scale demolitions were ordered on Sunday night, the wind had already fanned the bakery fire into a firestorm which defeated such measures. The fire pushed north on Monday into the heart of the City. Order in the streets broke down as rumours arose of suspicious foreigners setting fires. The fears of the homeless focused on the French and Dutch, England's enemies in the ongoing Second Anglo-Dutch War; these substantial immigrant groups became victims of street violence. On Tuesday, the fire spread over nearly the whole city, destroying Old St Paul's Cathedral and leaping the River Fleet to threaten Charles II's court at Whitehall Palace.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Coordinated firefighting efforts were simultaneously getting underway. The battle to put out the fire is considered to have been won by two key factors: the strong east wind dropped, and the Tower of London garrison used gunpowder to create effective firebreaks, halting further spread eastward. The social and economic problems created by the disaster were overwhelming. Flight from London and settlement elsewhere were strongly encouraged by Charles II, who feared a London rebellion amongst the dispossessed refugees. Various schemes for rebuilding the city were proposed, some of them radical.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1666: 1666 Milestone — The Great Fire of London occurred from Sunday 2 September to Wednesday 5 September 1666, gutting the medieval City of London inside the old Roman city wall, while also extending past the wall to the west.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Great Fire of London

True or False: “The Great Fire of London was contained primarily by the strategic use of modern, pre-planned firebreaks.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The initial efforts were hampered because the Lord Mayor hesitated to order large-scale demolitions until the wind had already fanned the blaze into a destructive firestorm.

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