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

Philipp Ager, Maja Pedersen, Paul Sharp and Xanthi Tsoukli

No 19316, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

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.

Keywords: Economic geography; Location of economic activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N22 N93 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-07
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Working Paper: When London Burned to Sticks: The Economic Impact of the Great Fire of 1666 (2024)
Working Paper: When London Burned to Sticks: The Economic Impact of the Great Fire of 1666 (2024)
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