The Great Fire of London is one of the most catastrophic events in the history of London. It occurred in 1666 and lasted for four days, destroying a significant portion of the city. The fire is said to have started in a bakery on Pudding Lane, near London Bridge.
How did the fire start?
The exact cause of the fire is not known, but it is believed to have started in Thomas Farriner’s bakery on Pudding Lane. Farriner was the King’s baker, and his bakery was located in a densely populated area with narrow streets that made firefighting difficult.
On September 2, 1666, a small fire broke out in the bakery. Farriner tried to put it out but failed. The flames quickly spread to neighboring buildings made of timber and thatched roofs, which were highly flammable.
How did the fire spread?
Strong winds fanned the flames, causing them to spread rapidly. The firefighting efforts were also hindered by several factors such as lack of water supply and inadequate equipment. The Mayor of London at that time, Sir Thomas Bloodworth, was also criticized for his lack of action and refusing to order demolition of buildings to create firebreaks.
The fire eventually spread towards the west towards Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill. By September 3rd, it had reached St Paul’s Cathedral where it destroyed much of its roof and its spire collapsed into the nave. On September 4th, it finally came under control when winds died down and firefighters were able to create effective firebreaks.
What was the aftermath?
The Great Fire of London destroyed over 13,000 homes as well as public buildings including churches and guild halls. It is estimated that around 70-80 thousand people lost their homes due to this disaster.
Despite this devastation, there were also some positive outcomes. One of the most significant was the creation of new building regulations that required buildings to be constructed from brick or stone instead of wood. Additionally, wider streets were constructed to aid firefighting and prevent fires from spreading.
Conclusion
The Great Fire of London was a catastrophic event that caused immense destruction and loss of life. It is a reminder of the destructive power of fire and the importance of proper safety measures in preventing such disasters. Though it was a tragic event, it also led to positive changes in building regulations that helped to shape the city into what it is today.