By the 1660s, London was the largest city in Britain. The Great Fire of London started at the bakery of Thomas Forriner ( or Fraynor ) who was the king`s baker, on Pudding Lane on September 2, 1666. It spread rapidly across the City if London. On September 6, the fire was brought under control. About 13,500 houses and 87 churches were destroyed. Answer: The Great Fire of London.