The Great Fire of London, a catastrophe that reshaped the city, started in a baker's shop on Pudding Lane in the early hours of September 2, 1666. Fueled by a dry summer and a strong easterly wind, the fire quickly spread through the tightly packed, wooden buildings.
For four long days, the inferno raged, consuming homes, churches, and public buildings, including the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral. Remarkably, official records show relatively few deaths, though the true number is likely higher.
The fire, though devastating, ultimately led to a more modern and fire-resistant London. Sir Christopher Wren's vision led to wider streets and buildings constructed with brick and stone, leaving behind the tinderbox that had fueled the Great Fire and paving the way for the London we know today.
