What Happened on September 2nd?

Great Fire of London

Author

Matthew Jones
September 02, 2024

1666 London Burns

On September 2, 1666, a fire sparked at Thomas Farriner's bakery. It engulfed London for four days, destroying 87 churches, 13,200 houses, and landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, leaving tens of thousands homeless despite few fatalities.

This painting, called The Great Fire of London, and painted in 1675 by Josepha Jane Battlehooke shows the great fire of London as seen from a boat in the vicinity of Tower Wharf. 

🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on September 2:

1945 ─ Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam's independence from French colonial rule in Hanoi's Ba Dinh Square, aligning with global shifts following WWII.

1901 ─ In a stirring address at the Minnesota State Fair, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt outlined his bold vision for American diplomacy, advocating for strength backed by readiness.

1792 ─ September Massacres began. Driven by fear and radicalism, Parisian revolutionaries executed over 1,000 prisoners, including nobles and clergymen.

31 BCE ─ Octavian's naval victory at Actium ended the Roman Republic's conflicts, leading Antony and Cleopatra to flee to Egypt and take their lives, clearing the way for Octavian to become Rome's first emperor.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On September 2, we’re singing to:

Christa Corrigan McAuliffe (1948) ─ As NASA's first Teacher in Space, McAuliffe inspired countless students and left a lasting impact on educational and space programs.

Keanu Reeves (1964) ─ Known for iconic roles in The Matrix and John Wick, Reeves is celebrated for his versatility in acting and his generous philanthropy.

 🪦Who Died Today?

On September 2, we’re saying goodbye to:

Kösem Sultan (1651) ─ Played a key role in political machinations and regencies within the Ottoman Empire.

Ho Chi Minh (1969) ─ Ho Chi Minh was instrumental in the fight for independence and the shaping of North Vietnam’s national identity.

J.R.R. Tolkien (1973) ─ The acclaimed author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Tolkien transformed fantasy literature with his richly imagined worlds.

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