How Many People Died in the Great Fire of London?

By Robert Palmer

The Great Fire of London was a catastrophic event that took place in 1666. It is widely regarded as one of the most significant events in the history of London, and it had a profound impact on the city’s architecture and infrastructure.

The fire started on September 2nd, 1666, and continued for three days. But just how many people lost their lives in this devastating fire?

Background

The Great Fire of London started in a bakery on Pudding Lane. The fire quickly spread, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. Despite attempts to extinguish the blaze, it continued to spread throughout the city.

The Impact

The Great Fire of London destroyed more than 80% of the city’s buildings. It is estimated that over 13,000 homes were destroyed, leaving around 100,000 people homeless.

The Death Toll

Despite the widespread destruction caused by the fire, surprisingly few people lost their lives as a direct result of it. Official records state that only six deaths were directly attributed to the fire.

However, it is widely believed that this number is inaccurate due to poor record-keeping practices at the time. Many historians believe that hundreds or even thousands more may have perished during or after the fire due to injuries sustained or illnesses caused by exposure.

Impact on Public Health

In addition to those who perished directly as a result of the flames, many others suffered from respiratory issues and other health problems due to smoke inhalation and exposure to hazardous materials.

Conclusion

While it is difficult to determine an exact number of fatalities resulting from The Great Fire of London, there is no doubt that its impact was felt for generations to come. The disaster spurred significant changes in building codes and regulations aimed at preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • The Great Fire of London started in a bakery on Pudding Lane in 1666.
  • Despite the widespread destruction, only six deaths were officially recorded as a direct result of the fire.
  • Poor record-keeping practices at the time mean that the true death toll may never be known.
Sources:

– Encyclopedia Britannica
– National Geographic