Introduction

The Great Fire of London, which raged from September 2 to September 6, 1666, stands as one of the most devastating disasters in the history of England’s capital. Destroying a vast portion of the medieval City of London, the fire irrevocably changed the urban landscape, the architecture, and the governance of the city. The fire’s aftermath catalyzed changes in fire safety, urban planning, and building regulations that shaped modern London. This article explores the origins, course, impact, and legacy of the Great Fire of London, offering an in-depth look at one of history’s most infamous urban catastrophes.

Context: London Before the Fire

By the mid-17th century, London was Europe’s largest city, home to around 350,000 inhabitants. It was a bustling commercial and political center, but also overcrowded, with narrow streets, wooden buildings, and an inadequate water supply system. The city’s medieval layout was characterized by a dense cluster of timber-framed houses, many of which jutted into the streets, creating a maze-like environment highly susceptible to fire.

In 1665, just one year before the fire, London had suffered the Great Plague, which killed approximately 100,000 people, roughly a quarter of the city’s population. The plague had devastated the city but had also cleared some areas, leaving parts of London empty or depopulated. Despite this, the urban fabric remained highly combustible. shutdown123