Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most common questions about the Great Fire of London and their answers. There is more information on each on the rest of the website. If you have any further questions, please use the ‘Ask the curator’ form.

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Where did the fire start?
It started in Thomas Farriner’s bakery in Pudding Lane at about 1am on September 2, 1666
Why did the fire start?
Experts now think that Thomas Farriner forgot to put out the fire in the oven of his bakery properly on Saturday night. A spark may have set light to spare fuel or flour.
How was the fire put out?
The wind died down on Tuesday night. Soldiers and sailors used gunpowder to blow up houses, making gaps the fire could not cross. By Thursday morning the fire was mostly out.
How many people died?
We are not certain. Less than ten deaths have been recorded but there are no reports of how many people died after the fire as a result of their injuries or from the winter cold. Find out more about the debate on how many people died.
What happened to the baker?
Thomas Farriner was questioned as part of the official investigation into the causes of the fire. Because a man called Robert Hubert confessed to starting the fire, few people blamed Thomas Farriner and he returned to baking after the fire.
What did the king do about the fire?
King Charles II personally helped fight the fire. He lifted buckets of water and threw money to reward people who stayed to fight the flames.
How many houses burnt down?
About 13,200 houses were destroyed and 87 out of 109 churches. Only 51 churches and about 9000 houses were rebuilt. The fire claimed 436 acres, including four-fifths of the City. This was about one-third of the total size of London, including the suburbs outside the City walls.
How long did it take to rebuild London?
Nearly 50 years. New houses and churches were still being built in the 1690s. St Paul’s Cathedral wasn’t finished until 1710.
How long is the London’s Burning exhibition running for?
From 16 March 2007 until 6 December 2009
Are there still displays on the Great Fire, now that the London's Burning exhibition is closed?
Yes. The story of the Great Fire is told in the War, Plague & Fire gallery, which opened in February 2010. Many of the objects from the London's Burning exhibition are on display in this new gallery.
Where is Samuel Pepys’ diary kept today?
At the Pepys’ Library in Magdelene College, Cambridge
Did the fire change London's architecture?
Building regulations already introduced before the Great Fire ordered that new buildings should be built from brick instead of timber. The Great Fire provided an opportunity for new brick buildings to be introduced on a large scale but no new building styles were introduced as a result. Find out more about the debate on how London's architecture was affected by the fire.
Who was blamed for starting the fire?
Different people were blamed for starting the fire. Some thought it was French or Dutch people because England was at war with France and the Netherlands at the time. Others blamed the sins of Londoners for making God angry. Many people blamed Catholics. Find out more about the reasons for the Catholic conspiracy theory.
Did the Great Fire stop the Great Plague?
No. There are many reasons why experts think the two events are unconnected. The main one is that the plague was largely over by the time of the fire. Also the fire burned down a different area to the area that was worst affected by the plague. Find out more about whether the fire stopped the plague.
Did fire fighting change after the Great Fire of London?
Some changes were gradually introduced in the way that fires were fought. Extra fire-fighting equipment was purchased and in the late 1600s the new insurance companies began to have their own fire brigades. Find out more about how London has coped with fires since 1666.
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