The Great Fire of London (1666) – Monument & Pudding Lane

In September 1666, a small fire in a bakery on Pudding Lane became an inferno that changed London forever. On the London Legends Mini Bus Tour, we stop at The Monument — London’s towering memorial to the disaster — to tell the dramatic story of the Great Fire of London.

This is a tale of panic, survival and rebirth. In just a few days, the fire consumed thousands of buildings, reshaped the city’s streets, and sparked a new era of London architecture.

Great Fire of london

How the Fire Started

The Great Fire began in the early hours of 2 September 1666 in a bakery on Pudding Lane. With dry wooden buildings packed tightly together, strong winds and limited firefighting methods, the blaze spread rapidly through the City of London.

Over the following days, the fire destroyed huge areas of the city — leaving tens of thousands displaced and turning medieval London into ashes.

The Monument – London’s Memorial

The Monument stands close to where the fire began and remains one of the most powerful reminders of what happened. It marks both the devastation and London’s resilience — a city rebuilt stronger after catastrophe.

At this stop we cover:

  • Pudding Lane and the fire’s origin story
  • How the fire spread through medieval London
  • Why it burned so fiercely (materials, wind, street layout)
  • How London was rebuilt and transformed afterwards
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Why the Great Fire Still Matters

The Great Fire wasn’t just destruction — it forced London to modernise. The rebuilding of the City reshaped street layouts, encouraged new building materials, and helped create the London we know today. It also paved the way for major architectural achievements in the decades that followed.

Experience The Great Fire of London on The London Legends Mini Bus Tour

This stop is one of the most dramatic moments in our 2½-hour tour — combining powerful storytelling with one of London’s most iconic historic landmarks.

Tour Details

Duration: Approximately 2½ hours (traffic dependent)
Price: £54 per person
Start Point: Victoria Train Station
End Options: Return to central London or drop-off at Whitechapel Station

FAQs

Where did the Great Fire of London start?

The Great Fire began in a bakery on Pudding Lane in the early hours of 2 September 1666.

What is The Monument in London?

The Monument is a tall memorial near Pudding Lane that commemorates the Great Fire of London and the rebuilding of the City.

How long did the Great Fire last?

The fire burned for several days, destroying large parts of the City of London.

How long is the London Legends tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2½ hours, depending on traffic.