ON THIS DAY - 02 September 1666

On This Day (02 Sep) 1666, a fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane, City of London, owned by Thomas Farriner. It was not properly extinguished and within hours, the fire grew into a blazing inferno: The Great Fire of London.

'The Great Fire of London' Unknown Artist Year: c.1675 © London Museum

The fire burned for a further 4 days, causing devastation to the densely populated city, as well as the deaths of around 10 people. 13,200 homes and 87 churches were destroyed, as many were timber-built structures; these crammed buildings acted as kindling to the growing fire, with strong winds contributing to the rapid spread.

ABBILDUNG DER STATT LONDON, SAMBT DEM ERSCHROCKLICHEN BRANDT DASELSTEN - line engraving Artist: Matthaus Merian the Younger Year: 1670 © London Museum

The fire changed the landscape of London forever, with many medieval and Tudor buildings damaged or destroyed. These included the city's Guildhall, Newgate Prison, Baynard's Castle and St Paul's Cathedral.

'THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON' Unknown Artist Year: c.1675 © London Museum

The health and socio-economic consequences/impact of the Great Fire were significant. Ruined homes and businesses were ransacked, and those who were trying to protect their property assaulted. It also caused significant homelessness and displacement, with survivors forced into unsanitary temporary accommodations, where they had to face disease and hunger, as well as a harsh winter.

Shortly after the fire (1666-67), Wenceslaus Hollar, the prolific Bohemian artist, produced a map showing the overall devastation - a total of over 430 acres had been lost, a quarter of the size of 17th century London.

HOLLAR’S “EXACT SURVEIGH” OF THE CITY OF LONDON, 1667 Artist: Wenceslaus Hollar Year: 1667 © British Museum

There were initially elaborate plans (submitted by Sir Christopher Wren, who had been commissioned to rebuild St Paul's Cathedral), for the rebuild of the city. However, these plans were not implemented, and London grew from the ashes, rebuilding on its old foundations.