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The Great Fire of London, which raged from 2 to 5 September 1666, destroyed much of the medieval City of London. It was one of the most transformative events in London's history, leading to a fundamental redesign of the city. This lesson covers the causes, events, impact, and aftermath of the fire.
The Great Fire started in the early hours of Sunday 2 September 1666 at the bakery of Thomas Farriner (sometimes spelled Farynor) on Pudding Lane, near London Bridge.
Several factors made London extremely vulnerable to fire:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Timber-framed buildings | Most houses in the City were built of wood, with upper storeys jutting out over narrow streets |
| Narrow streets | Buildings were close together, making it easy for fire to jump from house to house |
| Dry conditions | The summer of 1666 had been exceptionally hot and dry |
| Strong east wind | A powerful wind fanned the flames westward through the city |
| Flammable materials | Warehouses near the river stored oil, tallow, spirits, and other combustible goods |
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