Did the Baker Who Started the Great Fire of London Survive?

By Robert Palmer

The Great Fire of London was a devastating event that occurred in 1666. It destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, and buildings, and left many people homeless.

The cause of the fire has been a topic of debate for centuries, but one theory suggests that it was started by a baker on Pudding Lane. But did the baker who started the Great Fire of London survive? Let’s delve into this historical mystery.

The Baker and the Fire

The baker in question was named Thomas Farriner. He owned a bakery on Pudding Lane, which is located near the London Bridge.

On September 2nd, 1666, a fire broke out in his bakery in the early hours of the morning. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but it’s believed that it started when hot embers from the oven ignited some nearby fuel.

The Spread of the Fire

The fire quickly spread from Farriner’s bakery to neighboring buildings. The houses in London at this time were made primarily of wood and thatch roofs, which made them highly susceptible to fires. The strong winds on that fateful day made matters worse as they helped spread the flames rapidly throughout the city.

The Response

Despite efforts to contain the fire, it quickly became out of control. The Lord Mayor ordered for several houses to be demolished to create a firebreak and prevent further spread, but this proved ineffective. It wasn’t until September 6th that the fire was finally extinguished.

Did Farriner Survive?

There has been much speculation about whether Thomas Farriner survived the Great Fire or not. Some reports suggest that he escaped with his family through an upstairs window while others claim he perished in the blaze.

However, historical records show that Farriner did indeed survive and continued running his bakery until at least 1677. In fact, he was even contracted to bake bread for the Royal Navy during this time.

The Aftermath

The Great Fire of London had a lasting impact on the city. It destroyed over 13,000 homes and 87 churches, leaving around 100,000 people homeless.

However, it also led to a rebuilding effort that resulted in a more modern and fire-resistant London. This included the introduction of brick buildings and wider streets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Thomas Farriner’s bakery may have started the Great Fire of London, he did survive the blaze. The fire was a tragic event that had significant consequences for the city of London, but it also led to important changes in building codes and firefighting techniques that continue to be used today.