The Great Fire was one of the greatest disasters in London’s history and had many far reaching effects, both in London and further afield. 13,200 houses, four-fifths of the City and 436 acres in total had been destroyed. Thousands of people were homeless, losing their businesses and much of their belongings. Many were destitute, having lost everything.
Gradually houses were rebuilt in the ruins but this took several years. In the winter of 1666 the fields around London were full of the homeless camping out in tents and shacks. Many Londoners moved away and never returned.
The cost of the devastation has been estimated at £10 million, though it may have been much more. This does not include the effect on lives and businesses outside London that depended on the capital. News spread across England and to the continent via newspapers and letters causing reaction amongst everyone who heard it.