London then and now - Pictures

The provided material juxtaposes images of London during the time of the Great Fire with contemporary photographs of the city, inviting viewers to reflect on the transformation over the centuries. The historical images likely depict a London before the implementation of urban planning and fire safety measures that arose in the aftermath of the catastrophic event. Viewers are encouraged to contemplate the lessons learned from the Great Fire of London, such as the importance of building materials, city layouts, and fire-fighting techniques. Despite these lessons, the material prompts a discussion on why modern-day London, like many other cities, continues to face challenges with various types of fires, suggesting an ongoing need for vigilance and improvement in fire prevention and response strategies.

Contrasting with the historical images, the pictures of London today showcase a metropolis that has evolved significantly since the 17th century. Observers are prompted to notice the changes in architecture, technology, and infrastructure that characterise the contemporary urban landscape. The material poses questions about the enduring lessons of the Great Fire, such as regulatory reforms and the development of professional fire brigades, which have shaped the city's resilience to fires. Yet, it acknowledges that the risk of fires persists, inviting a discussion on the complexities of fire safety in a modern context and how historical lessons can continue to inform current practices to mitigate fire-related problems.