The Great Fire of London in 1666
Back in the 1660s, people were not as aware of the dangers of fire as they are today. Buildings were made of timber - covered in a flammable substance called pitch, roofed with thatch - and tightly packed together with little regard for planning. About 350,000 people lived in London just before the Great Fire, it was one of the largest cities in Europe.
Homes arched out over the street below, almost touching in places, and the city was buzzing with people. Lots of animals lived London too - there were no cars, buses or lorries back then - so as well as houses, the city was full of sheds and yards packed high with flammable hay and straw.
Following a long, dry summer the city was suffering a drought. Water was scarce and the wooden houses had dried out, making them easier to burn... it was a recipe for disaster.
Why is Piccadilly Square famous?
As a traffic hub and neon-lit gathering place, Piccadilly Circus attracts visitors from throughout the world, many of whom sprawl on the steps of its stone island, which is crowned by the 1893 aluminum statue of Eros (formally entitled the Angel of Christian Charity, it was built as a memorial to the 7th earl of ..Piccadilly Circus is close to the top of the list for London's most famous public squares. Located within the famous West End, it's surrounded by many of the destinations that make this city such a world-class place to explore.
5 ноя 2023
