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When London Burned to Sticks: The Economic Impact of the Great Fire of 1666

Author

Listed:
  • Philipp Ager

    (University of Mannheim, CEPR)

  • Maja U. Pedersen

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Paul Sharp

    (University of Southern Denmark, CAGE, CEPR)

  • Xanthi Tsoukli

    (University of Bamberg)

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the Great Fire’s effects on London’s economic geography. Our analysis reveals both continuity and change. There was a swift postfire recovery accompanied by some shift in economic activity towards the City of Westminster by 1690, with markets spreading outside the City, but financial services largely remaining inside. Analysis of London Hearth Tax records further illustrates a significant change in the wealth distribution, with wealthier households returning to fire-impacted areas, reshaping the city’s housing and social structure.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Ager & Maja U. Pedersen & Paul Sharp & Xanthi Tsoukli, 2024. "When London Burned to Sticks: The Economic Impact of the Great Fire of 1666," Working Papers 0261, European Historical Economics Society (EHES).
    • Handle: RePEc:hes:wpaper:0261
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    File URL: https://www.ehes.org/wp/EHES_261.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Great Fire of London; Economic Geography; Location of economic activity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N23 - Economic History - - Financial Markets and Institutions - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N93 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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