How Did People Survive the Great Fire of London?

The Great Fire of London in 1666 was one of the most devastating disasters in the city’s history. Over four days, it destroyed much of central London, leaving thousands homeless and causing widespread panic. The fire tore through homes, churches, and businesses, consuming everything in its path. Despite the scale of destruction, the majority of people survived. But how did they manage to escape such a vast and uncontrollable blaze?

The Start of the Fire: A Disaster in the Making

The fire began in the early hours of September 2, 1666, in a bakery owned by Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane. It is believed that a small spark from an oven ignited the dry wooden beams of the bakery, quickly setting the building on fire. At first, the fire seemed like just another small blaze—something that happened fairly often in the crowded, wooden city of London.

However, London had been experiencing a long, dry summer, and the buildings, which were mostly made of timber and thatch, were highly flammable. The streets were narrow, with homes and businesses packed closely together, making it easy for flames to leap from one structure to another. Strong winds fueled the fire, and within hours, it was spreading uncontrollably.

Early Reactions and the Spread of Panic

At first, people were slow to react. Fires were common in London, and many assumed that this one would be put out quickly. But as the flames grew larger, it became clear that this was no ordinary fire. The heat became unbearable, and embers were carried by the wind, setting new fires across the city.

As people awoke to the growing danger, panic set in. Families scrambled to gather their belongings, while others simply fled without taking anything at all. Many residents ran into the streets, trying to figure out where to go and how to save themselves.

Escaping the Fire: How People Survived

With the fire rapidly spreading, survival depended on quick thinking and the ability to escape to a safe place. People used several strategies to get away from the flames.

One of the most effective ways to survive was to flee to open spaces where the fire couldn’t spread. Large, open areas like Moorfields, Smithfield Market, and Finsbury Fields became crowded with refugees carrying whatever they could manage. Some people ran toward St. Paul’s Cathedral, believing it would be safe because of its stone construction. Unfortunately, the fire eventually consumed the cathedral, proving that even seemingly secure places were not always safe.

For those who could reach the River Thames, water provided an escape route. Many people climbed into boats, ferries, or barges to get away from the flames. Some managed to reach the southern side of the river, where the fire did not spread. The river also became a temporary shelter for those who had nowhere else to go. People clung to boats or floated on debris, desperately trying to avoid the heat and smoke. However, not everyone who entered the river survived—some drowned in the panic.

As they fled, people tried to save their valuables. Samuel Pepys, a government official and diarist, recorded in his journal how he buried a large wheel of Parmesan cheese and some wine in his garden to keep them safe from the fire. Others loaded carts, wagons, or even carried heavy chests on their backs as they ran through the streets. The desperate attempts to save possessions often slowed people down, making escape even more difficult.

Firefighting Efforts and the Role of the Authorities

In the early stages of the fire, there was no organized firefighting service like we have today. Instead, firefighting was left to local citizens and soldiers, who tried their best to control the flames with buckets of water and fire hooks. However, their efforts were largely ineffective against such a massive blaze.

The traditional method of stopping a fire at the time was to create firebreaks—destroying buildings in the fire’s path to stop it from spreading further. However, Sir Thomas Bloodworth, the Lord Mayor of London, hesitated to order the demolition of buildings, worried about the financial cost. This delay allowed the fire to spread even more.

As the situation became more desperate, King Charles II personally intervened. He ordered the use of gunpowder to blow up buildings and create firebreaks. His brother, the Duke of York, also helped coordinate firefighting efforts. Soldiers and workmen demolished homes and shops, finally slowing the fire’s advance. By September 5, the fire was under control, though the city was left in ruins.
The Vulnerable and the Victims

While many people survived, certain groups were especially vulnerable. The poor were hit the hardest, as they had no means to escape quickly. Those who could not afford carts or boats were forced to flee on foot, carrying whatever they could manage. The elderly and sick struggled to escape, and many were left behind as others rushed to safety.

Prisoners at Newgate Prison were unable to escape the flames, and many are believed to have perished. The fire also fueled xenophobia, with rumors spreading that foreigners had started the fire. Mobs attacked French and Dutch immigrants, accusing them of arson. The fear and chaos led to wrongful arrests and violence.

Despite the fire’s intensity, the official death toll was surprisingly low—only six recorded deaths. However, historians believe the true number was likely much higher, with many bodies lost in the rubble or the Thames.

The Aftermath: Rebuilding London

After the fire, London faced an enormous challenge. Over 13,200 homes, 87 churches, and countless businesses had been destroyed. Around 100,000 people were left homeless, forced to live in makeshift camps outside the city. Food shortages and disease soon became serious problems in these crowded conditions.

The government took steps to assist survivors. King Charles II ordered that food be provided for the homeless, and temporary housing was set up. The fire also led to major changes in how London was built. Sir Christopher Wren, the architect responsible for rebuilding St. Paul’s Cathedral, played a key role in redesigning the city. New building regulations required houses to be made of brick or stone instead of wood, significantly reducing the risk of future fires.

The disaster also led to improvements in firefighting methods. The first organized fire brigades were formed, and better equipment, such as fire engines, became more common. The government also worked on widening streets and enforcing stricter building codes to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.

Lessons from the Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of London was a tragic event, but it also shaped the city’s future. The survivors’ quick thinking—whether by fleeing to open spaces, using the Thames, or demolishing buildings—helped save lives. The fire also led to long-term improvements in urban planning, firefighting, and building safety, changes that continue to influence city planning today.

It’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to live through such a terrifying event. If you had been in London in 1666, how do you think you would have reacted? Would you have run to the Thames, tried to save your possessions, or helped demolish buildings to stop the fire?