Question

Why was the great fire of London in 1666 so devastating

Answer 1

The Great Fire of London in 1666 was so devastating because it occurred in a densely populated city with narrow streets and houses made mostly of timber and other flammable materials. The city was also facing a drought, and there was a strong easterly wind that helped to spread the fire rapidly.

The fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane in the early hours of September 2nd and quickly spread, aided by the timber buildings, thatched roofs, and narrow streets that made it difficult for fire crews to access the flames. The Lord Mayor of London was slow to respond, and the firefighting efforts were disorganized and ineffective.

The fire continued to spread throughout the city, fueled by strong winds and lack of rain. The heat was so intense that it melted lead roofs, and stone churches and other buildings exploded from the heat. The fire finally began to die down on September 6th when a change in wind direction helped to control the flames.

In total, the fire destroyed over 13,000 houses, 87 churches, and important buildings such as the Royal Exchange and the Bridewell Palace. It left over 70,000 people homeless and caused widespread devastation to the city's infrastructure. Although there were only a few deaths directly caused by the fire, it was a significant event that changed the face of London forever. After the fire, new regulations were put in place to reduce the risk of future fires, such as wider streets, stone buildings, and the use of brick rather than timber.

Answer 2

Temporary buildings were erected that were ill-equipped, disease spread easily, and many people died from this and the harsh winter that followed the fire. As well as the loss of life, the financial costs were staggering. 13,200 houses, 87 parish churches, The Royal Exchange, Guildhall, and St.