What Caused the Great Plague of London 1665?

By Robert Palmer

The Great Plague of London, which took place in 1665, was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It is estimated that it wiped out almost a quarter of the population of London at the time, with around 100,000 people losing their lives to this deadly disease.

But what caused the Great Plague of London? Let’s take a closer look:

The Origins of the Great Plague

The origins of the Great Plague can be traced back to Asia, where it is believed to have originated from fleas that were carried by rats. The disease then spread rapidly along trade routes and eventually arrived in Europe, where it quickly took hold.

The Spread of the Disease

The Great Plague of London first appeared in the city in late 1664, but it wasn’t until the following year that it really began to spread. The disease was highly contagious and was transmitted through contact with infected fleas or bodily fluids.

Poor Living Conditions

One reason why the Great Plague was able to spread so quickly was due to the poor living conditions in London at the time. Many people lived in cramped and unsanitary conditions, which made it easy for the disease to spread from person to person.

Lack of Medical Knowledge

Another reason why the Great Plague was so deadly was due to a lack of medical knowledge at the time. Doctors had no understanding of germ theory and were therefore unable to treat patients effectively. This meant that many people died as a result of inadequate medical care.

The Impact on London

The impact of the Great Plague on London was devastating. Streets were filled with dead bodies and entire families were wiped out by this deadly disease. Many businesses closed down and trade came to a standstill as people fled the city in an attempt to escape the disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Great Plague of London was caused by a combination of factors, including poor living conditions, a lack of medical knowledge, and the highly contagious nature of the disease. It had a profound impact on London and its people, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of good hygiene and effective medical care in times of crisis.

  • Origins: The Great Plague originated in Asia, where it is believed to have come from fleas carried by rats.
  • Spread: The disease spread rapidly through contact with infected fleas or bodily fluids.
  • Poor Living Conditions: Cramped and unsanitary living conditions made it easy for the disease to spread.
  • Lack of Medical Knowledge: Doctors had no understanding of germ theory and were unable to treat patients effectively.
  • Impact: The Great Plague had a devastating impact on London, with streets filled with dead bodies and businesses closing down.

Sources:

  • https://www.com/topics/middle-ages/the-plague
  • https://www.com/event/Great-Plague-of-London