The Great Fire of London begins on this day in 1666. 13,200 houses, 87 churches and many public buildings are destroyed. The fire started at the house of the king’s baker and spread across the city. The fire lasted from Sunday September 2nd until Wednesday September 5th. St. Paul’s Cathedral was destroyed. It is estimated that 70,000 of the 80,000 residents of London at the time lost their homes. The death total was surprisingly small though- 16 people are believed to have lost their lives.