The Great Fire of London was a major conflagration that swept through the central parts of the English city from Sunday, September 2 to Wednesday, September 5, 1666. The fire destroyed the medieval City of London, including over 13,000 houses and 87 churches, as well as many public buildings, such as the Royal Exchange and St. Paul's Cathedral. The fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane in the early hours of Sunday, September 2. Due to strong winds and the close proximity of wooden buildings, the fire quickly spread throughout the city. Efforts to extinguish the fire were hampered by the narrow streets and lack of an organized firefighting force. The fire was finally brought under control on Wednesday, September 5, after efforts to create firebreaks by demolishing buildings halted the spread of the flames. The exact death toll from the fire is unknown, but it is believed to have been relatively low, with only a few confirmed deaths.

The Great Fire of London led to significant changes in the city's architecture and firefighting practices. The rebuilding of the city was overseen by architect Christopher Wren, who designed many of the new buildings in a more modern and fire-resistant style. The fire also led to the establishment of the first professional firefighting force in London, as well as new building regulations aimed at preventing future fires. The Great Fire of London is one of the most well-known events in the city's history and has been the subject of numerous books, films, and other media. It remains a symbol of resilience and rebirth, as the city was able to recover and rebuild following the devastation.