On 6 September 1666, the Great Fire of London was finally brought under control after burning through the City for four days.

The fire had begun early on 2 September in the bakery of Thomas Farriner in Pudding Lane. A dry summer had left buildings vulnerable, while strong winds carried the fire through streets packed with timber houses and businesses storing combustible materials.

Attempts to stop it initially failed. Houses were pulled down to create gaps that the flames could not cross, but the fire spread faster than the work could be carried out. Soldiers were eventually brought in, and gunpowder was used to demolish buildings more quickly. As the wind weakened, these firebreaks became more effective, and the fire was contained.

By then, much of the City had been destroyed. About 13,200 houses and 87 churches had been lost. The Guildhall, Royal Exchange and old St Paul’s Cathedral were among the major buildings ruined. Around 100,000 people had been left homeless.

The fire’s end created another emergency. London needed food, temporary trade arrangements and measures to maintain order.

On 6 September Charles II issued a proclamation establishing markets at several locations, including Tower Hill and Smithfield, and ordering surrounding counties to help supply them with provisions. With the Royal Exchange destroyed, merchants were directed to use Gresham College. The proclamation also addressed fears of disorder and reassured Londoners that soldiers were available to protect the city.

The flames were under control, but thousands of Londoners had no homes to return to, and much of the City’s commercial and administrative centre lay in ruins.