The Great Fire of London occurred in 1666. This catastrophic event began on September 2 and lasted until September 6, destroying much of the city, including thousands of homes, St. Paul's Cathedral, and numerous churches. The fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and spread rapidly due to wooden buildings and a lack of firefighting resources. The devastation led to significant changes in building regulations, urban planning, and fire prevention measures in London. Though the fire killed relatively few people, it marked a turning point in the city’s history, resulting in a massive reconstruction effort that helped shape modern London.