"London was, but is no more." - Thomas Vincent, September 3, 1666
The London fire of 1666 is a historical disaster that took place in London, the capital of England. The Great Fire of London, which affected the city for five days, devastated a large part of the city and was recorded as one of the largest fires in history. A city has lost all of its past and was then reborn from its ashes. So how did this happen?
It all started on September 2, 1666, at a bakery named Thomas Farriner in Pudding Lane. Late at night, a forgotten fire in the oven combined with the rapidly spreading flames, triggering the fire. Most London homes at that time were made of wood and the city was heavily settled. Therefore, the fire grew rapidly and spread to other parts of the city.
The fire quickly expanded under the influence of the wind, turning into a destructive force. With the help of narrow streets, wooden buildings and the wind, the flames became uncontrollable. Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral and other important structures could not withstand this great disaster. People were in a panic, not knowing what to do to save their lives and belongings.
The fire could not be easily brought under control due to the limited water resources in the city and the lack of firefighting equipment. London's fire brigade at the time consisted mainly of volunteers trying to put out the fires using hand pumps and leather buckets. This caused the fire to spread and become uncontrollable.
People scrambled to save their homes, belongings, and animals, but the fire quickly spread and destroyed many neighborhoods. Approximately 13,200 homes, 87 churches and 44 high schools were burned. Although the exact number of people who lost their lives during the fire cannot be determined, it is estimated that 100,000 people were left homeless. 85 percent of the city was destroyed by this fire.
Finally, the fire was brought under control on September 6, 1666. However, the destruction in the city had been great. Many people were left homeless and poor, and businesses and commerce paralyzed. The areas affected by the fire were rebuilt, but this time in a different way.
After the Great Fire of London
Today the Fire of London is remembered as a historic part of the city. While this disaster symbolized human resilience and the power of reconstruction, it was also a turning point to be considered in terms of urban planning and fire safety.
Construction and Urban Planning: After the fire, London had to be rebuilt. However, this time, more durable materials were used and the streets were wider. Construction rules were tightened and fire safety became an important factor. The buildings were built using more brick and stone instead of wood.
Fire and Safety: The fire showed that the fire department needs to be improved. Work was carried out on firefighting equipment and techniques. Fire brigade training and organization became more professional. In addition, a network of water pipes was developed to provide more water sources for firefighting.
Economic Impacts: The fire paralyzed trade and destroyed many businesses. London was the economic center of England at that time and the fire negatively affected commercial activities. However, with the rebuilding process, the economy revived and trade revived.
Cultural and Artistic Changes: After the fire, some landmarks and artworks in the city were lost. Among them, St. Paul's Cathedral was also located. However, new architectural projects and artworks were created during the rebuilding process. Over time, London was reshaped by a new cultural and artistic era.
In Memory of the Great Fire of London
The London Fire is an important event in the city's history and has left a lasting impact on many areas. There are various monuments and memorial plaques in the area where the fire started.
1. The Monument: Located in Pudding Lane, at the point where the London fire started, The Monument was built to commemorate the fire. The monument, which is a column about 61 meters high, marks the spot where the fire started. Visitors can get a panoramic view of the city from the top of the monument. (Entry price is 6 pounds, 311 steps required to climb)
2. st. Paul's Cathedral (St. Paul's Cathedral): Built on the site of the old cathedral damaged during the fire, St. Paul's Cathedral. Paul's Cathedral is a point of remembrance and remembrance of the London fire. Inside the cathedral, there are monuments and memorial plaques that keep the memory of the fire alive.
3. Golden Boy of Pye Corner: Located in Pye Corner, which is considered the point where the London fire ended, this statue was erected in the 19th century to commemorate the fire. The statue marks the end of the fire, with a child represented by a golden arrow.
4. The Firefighters' Memorial: St. Paul's Cathedral, this monument is dedicated to the firefighters who lost their lives in the London fire. It was erected to honor the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters.
5. Pudding Lane Plaque: There is a memorial plaque in Pudding Lane, where the London fire started. The sign marks the point where the fire started and reminds visitors of the event.
These monuments are important points to keep the memory of the London Fire alive, to understand the impact of the event and to commemorate those who lost their lives in the fire. When you see one of these buildings during your visit to London, don't forget to visualize the London of 357 years ago!
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