The Great Plague of 1665

The Great Plague of 1665 was the last major outbreak of bubonic plague in England, primarily affecting London. It led to the deaths of an estimated 100,000 people, nearly a quarter of the city's population at the time. The disease spread through fleas on rats and was exacerbated by overcrowded living conditions. Quarantine measures were implemented, including the closing of theaters and public gatherings. The epidemic ended in 1666, largely due to the Great Fire of London, which destroyed many of the infested areas. This event highlighted the importance of public health and sanitation in urban life.