The Plague of 1665 (notable London outbreak)

The Plague of 1665, also known as the Great Plague of London, was a deadly outbreak of bubonic plague that swept through the city, killing an estimated 100,000 people—about one-quarter of its population. The disease spread through fleas on rats and was exacerbated by poor sanitation and crowded living conditions. As fear gripped the city, many fled to the countryside. The outbreak peaked in the summer months but began to decline by the winter, likely due to changing weather and improved public health measures. The plague significantly impacted London’s social and urban landscape, leaving lasting effects.