What was the Great Plague of London?
In 1665, the Great Plague struck London, which spread horrors throughout the city. It was caused by a devastating outbreak of bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, and spread primarily through fleas on rats.
The outbreak quickly swept through London after a harsh winter gave way to a warmer spring, which allowed the rat and flea populations to increase.
Throughout the outbreak, 100,000 people died, equating to approximately a quarter of London’s population in the 17th century.
Based on the severity of the impact, King Charles II had to flee to Oxford to escape the contagion.
Furthermore, the Great Plague led to stricter quarantine measures and influenced the development of modern approaches to disease control.
Within the period, it also coincided with the current religious and social upheaval, shaping the city’s collective memory and responses to future crises.
The plague’s devastation was soon followed by the Great London Fire in 1666, which led to a double transformation of the city’s landscape and public health policies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What bacteria caused the plague?
Yersinia pestis caused the plague.
Source: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/royal-history/great-plague
2) What were the main symptoms of victims?
High fever, vomiting, delirium, and painful, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin.
Source: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/royal-history/great-plague
3) What was a quarantine house?
If a family member fell sick, authorities locked the entire household inside for 40 days and painted a red cross with the words "Lord have mercy upon us" on the door.
Why it matters
The Great Plague of London highlighted the severe importance of public health measures and shaped how societies respond to epidemics.