The Great Fire of London

Overview

The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the medieval city over four days. Starting in a bakery on Pudding Lane, the fire consumed 13,200 houses, 87 churches, and most civic buildings. This scene captures the chaos and human response as London burned.

Historical Context

London in 1666 was a densely packed city of timber-framed buildings with narrow streets. A long drought had left the city dry, and strong winds spread the fire rapidly. The disaster led to the rebuilding of London in stone and brick.

What to Notice

• The dense timber-framed architecture that made the fire so devastating.
• Citizens carrying their belongings through narrow streets.
• The orange glow and smoke creating an apocalyptic atmosphere.
• Primitive firefighting attempts with buckets and tools.