🕰️ The Great Fire of London – A City in Flames (1666)

 

 

History is full of unforgettable moments, but some events are so intense that they change everything — one such moment was the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Can you imagine an entire city made mostly of wood? Now imagine that city catching fire — and not just a small part, but nearly the whole of London burning for days. Sounds unreal, right? But it actually happened.

🔥 Key Points:

• When it Happened:
  The fire broke out on 2nd September 1666 and lasted for four days, finally ending on the 6th.

• How it Started:
  It began in a small bakery on Pudding Lane, owned by a man named Thomas Farriner. A simple mistake — maybe a spark or hot oven — turned into a disaster.

• How Fast it Spread:
  In those days, houses were made of wood and thatch, and they were built very close together. The strong wind helped the fire spread rapidly.

• The Damage:
  The fire destroyed about 87 churches, including the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral, and over 13,000 houses. Around 80% of London was gone!

• The Good Side (yes, really):
  Although it caused massive destruction, the fire also killed off the plague that had been haunting London, by burning away the rats and fleas that carried it.

• Lessons Learned:
  After the fire, London was rebuilt with stone buildings, and fire safety became more important than ever before. This tragedy led to modern urban planning.