London's Transformation

The aftermath of the Great Fire of 1666 led to significant changes in London's architecture and urban planning, including the prohibition of wood in construction. As the city became a hub for industry and publishing, its population surged dramatically, escalating from 1 million at the end of the 18th century to over 5 million by 1891. However, this rapid growth also brought about severe social challenges, including rampant crime and civil unrest, exemplified by the Gordon riots of 1780.