Great Fire of Southwark
The Great Fire of Southwark, which occurred between the 10th and 12th of July in 1212, was a devastating event that started south of the Thames in Southwark. The fire spread rapidly through London, fuelled by high winds and the highly flammable infrastructure of the time, which included wooden foundations and thatched roofs.
This fire was particularly tragic because of its impact on London Bridge. As the flames engulfed the bridge, ships and homes caught fire, trapping those inside. Many occupants of the shops and homes were left with a horrifying choice: jump into the river below or wait for death. Unfortunately, those who leapt from the bridge often faced a grim fate, either drowning in the Thames or being crushed by falling debris from the burning buildings above.
Despite the catastrophic loss of life and property, the Great Fire of 1212 did not lead to any significant changes in firefighting regulations in London. It wasn’t until the infamous Great Fire of London in 1666 that authorities began to reconsider their firefighting methods. However, by then, it was far too late for the thousands who perished in the 1212 disaster.
Image credit: https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Great-Fire-of-London-1212/