Great Fire Ravages London Starting in Pudding Lane
In the 17th century, London remained a densely packed medieval city filled with wooden buildings that posed constant fire hazards after a hot, dry summer. On September 2, 1666, flames erupted in the house of King Charles II's baker Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane near London Bridge. Strong east winds rapidly spread the blaze through narrow streets and timber structures despite efforts by residents and officials. King Charles II and his brother personally oversaw firefighting, ordering the creation of firebreaks, but the inferno consumed much of the City of London over four days. It destroyed roughly 13,000 houses, 87 parish churches including the old St. Paul's Cathedral, and key civic buildings while displacing tens of thousands who sought refuge in open fields like Moorfields.
Why it matters: The catastrophe directly prompted London's extensive rebuilding with brick and stone under architects such as Christopher Wren, fundamentally altering the city's skyline and fire resilience. It also catalyzed the rise of property insurance companies to protect against similar losses. These changes established enduring standards for urban fire prevention and building regulations that influenced cities throughout Britain and beyond.