The Great Plague of London: When Londoners Basically Said "See Ya Later" to a Nasty Roommate (Spoiler Alert: It Wasn't 1348)
Ever scrolled through history memes and stumbled upon pictures of doctors looking like oversized crows? Yeah, those weren't goth enthusiasts - that was the fashion du jour during the bubonic plague. But when exactly did this plaguey party crash London's social calendar? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the not-so-charming world of 17th century hygiene (or lack thereof).
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| What Year Was The Plague In London |
It Wasn't the Black Death (But Still Pretty Gross)
Many folks get the Great Plague of London confused with the Black Death, which swept through Europe in the mid-1300s. Nope, not this time. This particular plague outbreak hit London from 1665 to 1666, leaving a trail of death and despair in its wake. Think of it as the unwelcome houseguest who overstays their welcome by, oh, a year and decides to redecorate with corpses. Charming.
London: Not Exactly a Health Spa During the Plague Years
Imagine this: overflowing trash heaps in the streets, raw sewage flowing freely, and a complete lack of basic sanitation. Sounds delightful, right? Welcome to 17th century London, the perfect breeding ground for a plague outbreak. Rats the size of small dogs roamed free, carrying their plague-infested fleas with them like a particularly gruesome party favor.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
Side note: Don't even get us started on the "cures" they used back then. Let's just say they involved a lot of leeches, questionable potions, and a healthy dose of denial.
The Great Escape (Except for the Unfortunate Ones)
London basically became a ghost town during the plague. Those who could afford it fled the city, leaving the poor and unfortunate to deal with the brunt of the illness. The death toll was staggering, with estimates suggesting up to 100,000 Londoners perishing from the plague. That's a hefty chunk of the population saying "adieu" in a very permanent way.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
Fun fact: The Great Fire of London in 1666 actually helped to end the plague by wiping out a lot of the rat population (along with most of the city itself, but hey, you win some, you lose some).
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How To Avoid Your Own Plague Party: A Totally Unofficial Guide
1. How to: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.Answer: This wasn't exactly a thing back in the 1600s, but trust us, it's a lifesaver (or at least a plague-avoider) these days.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
2. How to: Keep your surroundings clean and free of rodents.Answer: No more overflowing trash piles for you! A tidy environment makes it less attractive for our plague-carrying friends.
3. How to: Avoid close contact with sick people.Answer: This might seem like a no-brainer, but apparently, it wasn't common knowledge during the plague. Social distancing for the win!
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
4. How to: If you feel unwell, see a doctor immediately.Answer: Early diagnosis and treatment are key to fighting off any illness, plague or otherwise. Skip the leeches and head to a qualified medical professional.
5. How to: Time travel to avoid the Great Plague altogether?Answer: Look, we're not saying it's impossible, but sticking to good hygiene practices is probably a safer bet.
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