The Great Fire of 1666
One of London's greatest tragedies took place September 2, 1666. A fire had started around one in the morning in a bakeshop on Pudding Lane. The bakeshop belonged to King Charles II's baker, Thomas Farynor. The fire destroyed four fifths of the city. The fire spread so quickly because of the extremely dry summer they had. The fire also spread fairly quickly near the Thames. There were warehouses near the Thames full of flammable materials such as tar, timber and oil.
Londoners were more concerned about escaping and saving their family and friend rather than fighting the fire. The houses were built with wood and tar during these times. Houses were close to one another because of the small streets in London. A strong wind helped with spreading the fire to houses in the city. There weren't many who were killed during the fire however many were without homes. The fire destroyed the old St. Paul's Cathedral as well. King Charles II was one who helped with trying to create fire breaks. After getting the fire out, the King had to think about rebuilding the city. He hired six commissioners. Christopher Wren was hired to commission about 50 churches as well as St. Paul's. Wren also designed the Great Fire monument where the fire began.
Londoners were more concerned about escaping and saving their family and friend rather than fighting the fire. The houses were built with wood and tar during these times. Houses were close to one another because of the small streets in London. A strong wind helped with spreading the fire to houses in the city. There weren't many who were killed during the fire however many were without homes. The fire destroyed the old St. Paul's Cathedral as well. King Charles II was one who helped with trying to create fire breaks. After getting the fire out, the King had to think about rebuilding the city. He hired six commissioners. Christopher Wren was hired to commission about 50 churches as well as St. Paul's. Wren also designed the Great Fire monument where the fire began.
This fire may have been sad and traumatic however the fact that Londoners were more concerned with saving themselves, friends and family is something you may not hear a lot today. Today more people are worried about their materialistic possessions, they don't seem to realize how easily those possessions can be replaced. It seems as though men and women have become less and less selfless as time has gone on. The fact that King Charles II went out to help fight the fire is incredible, something else you don't really see today. If our city were to go through a devastating event like this one it would be great to see everyone being as selfless as these people were. Caring more about others rather than their possessions, it may have been hard times but they got through it and were probably that much stronger because of it.