1. Bread and Butter: The official starting point of the Great Fire of London, according to the commemoration stone outside the Monument, is Pudding Lane, where the fire began in a bakery owned by Thomas Farriner. Supposedly, Farriner's maid, who was allegedly named Sarah, left bread in the bakery's oven too long, sparking the blaze.
2. London, Almost A Seaport: If it weren't for the heroic actions of the Lord Mayor of London at the time, Sir Thomas Bludworth, the Great Fire could've been even more devastating. When he first caught wind of the growing flames, he famously dismissed them as "just a woman's tale." This initial inaction could've cost London dearly, but he soon realized the gravity of the situation.
3. Peculiar Weather Conditions: The Great Fire coincided with a period known as the "Year of Wonders" due to unusually extreme weather conditions. These conditions included the coldest winter in 500 years, followed by a very hot and dry summer. This contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and made it difficult to contain.
4. Architectural Blessings in Disguise: The massive destruction caused by the Great Fire led to a unique opportunity for London's renewal and the introduction of contemporary architecture at the time. Sir Christopher Wren, the renowned architect, was responsible for designing and rebuilding many of London's most iconic landmarks after the fire. St. Paul's Cathedral, with its iconic dome, is one of the most famous products of this rebuilding effort.
5. Monetary Compensation Controversy: The Great Fire created a massive financial burden for the city. This led to the emergence of one of the earliest forms of fire insurance. Insurance companies sprang up and offered coverage against fire damage, although with very high premiums. Some critics claimed the insurance companies actually set fires just to cash in on their own insurance claims, leading to an investigation by Parliament.