1-157-991 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Great Fire of London, 1666 (19th century). Old St Paul's, destroyed in the fire, seen from the south bank of the Thames. Refugees from the flames cluster in boats. The fire, the worst in London's history, began in a bakery in Pudding Lane and lasted for 4 days. Fanned by a strong east wind, the conflagration destroyed some 13,000 houses, 87 churches and the old St Paul's Cathedral.