Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of London began in Thomas Farriner's bakery on Pudding Lane in the early hours of September 2, 1666, and raged for four days, destroying approximately 13,200 houses, 87 parish churches including St. Paul's Cathedral, and most of the buildings of the City authorities. The fire consumed 436 acres of the medieval city within the old Roman wall, leaving an estimated 100,000 people homeless (about 70% of the city's population). Despite the massive destruction, only six verified deaths were recorded, though the true toll was likely much higher. The fire led to major improvements in firefighting techniques, building regulations requiring brick and stone construction instead of wood, and the eventual rebuilding of London under the direction of Sir Christopher Wren, who designed the new St. Paul's Cathedral and 51 other churches.