Map Showing The Devastation Of The Great Fire Of London Over Modern London

Map created by Julian Hoffman AntonThis map shows the devastation of the Great Fire of London in 1666, showing the affected area overlaid on a modern map of London.

It uses LiDAR composite data to depict the extent of the fire in the context of present-day landmarks.

Landmarks:

The Barbican Centre
St Paul’s Cathedral
Bank Station
The Gherkin
Tower Bridge
The Tower of London
London Bridge
The Shard
Millennium Bridge
Blackfriars Bridge
The Tate Modern
Somerset House

Data: LiDAR Composite DTM 2017 – 50cm and 1667 map by John Leake, William Leybourne

How did the Great Fire of London Start?

The Great Fire of London started on Sunday, September 2, 1666. It began in a bakery on Pudding Lane, owned by Thomas Farriner. The exact cause of the fire is not definitively known, but it is believed to have started when a spark from the bakery’s oven ignited nearby flammable materials.

Several factors contributed to the rapid spread of the fire:

Weather Conditions: The weather had been hot and dry for several months, making the wooden buildings highly combustible.
Building Materials: Many of the buildings in London at the time were made of timber and had thatched roofs, which easily caught fire.
Narrow Streets: The streets were narrow and the buildings were closely packed together, allowing the fire to spread quickly from one structure to another.
Wind: Strong winds from the east fanned the flames and carried sparks across the city, spreading the fire further.

Efforts to control the fire were hampered by a lack of effective firefighting equipment and the initial indecision of city officials. The fire continued to burn for three days, finally being brought under control on Wednesday, September 5, 1666.

By that time, it had destroyed a significant portion of the city, including over 13,000 houses, 87 parish churches, and several important public buildings such as St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Despite the extensive property damage, the death toll was remarkably low, with only a few confirmed fatalities.

How many people died in the Great Fire of London?

Remarkably, the death toll from the Great Fire of London is traditionally recorded as very low, with only six verified deaths. However, it is believed that the actual number might have been higher due to the destruction of records and the possible deaths of poor and marginalized individuals whose deaths went unrecorded.

How many animals died in the Great Fire of London?

The exact number of animals that died in the Great Fire of London in 1666 is not known. Historical records primarily focus on human casualties and property damage, with little detailed information about the impact on animals.

However, considering the extensive destruction of buildings, homes, and stables, it is likely that a significant number of animals perished in the fire.

Livestock, pets, and other animals living in the city would have been affected, but precise figures or estimates are not available from contemporary sources.

Which famous buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of London?

The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed many notable buildings, including:

St. Paul’s Cathedral: The medieval cathedral was completely gutted by the fire. It was later rebuilt to a new design by Sir Christopher Wren.
The Royal Exchange: This was a center for commerce and trade in the city, and it was one of the significant losses of the fire.
Guildhall: The administrative center of the City of London was heavily damaged.
The Custom House: This important building for trade and customs duties was destroyed.
Baynard’s Castle: This medieval fortress was entirely consumed by the flames.
Christ Church Greyfriars: An important religious site, it was left in ruins by the fire.
St. Mary-le-Bow: One of the many churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren that was rebuilt after the fire.
St. Bride’s Church: Another church destroyed and later rebuilt by Wren.

When was the Great Fire of London monument built?

The Monument to the Great Fire of London, commonly known as “The Monument,” was constructed between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London of 1666.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, the monument stands near the northern end of London Bridge. The construction was completed and the monument was officially opened in 1677.

It stands 202 feet (61.57 meters) tall, which is the exact distance from its base to the site in Pudding Lane where the fire started.

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