As the fire grew and continued, city authorities tried to tear down buildings and create a firebreak, but the flames repeatedly overtook them before they could complete their work. Many People fled into the Thames River to get their possessions, and the homeless took refuge in the hills on the outskirts of London. The Light from the Great Fire could be seen 30 miles away. On September 5the fire was over and destroyed 13,000 houses, nearly 90 churches, and public buildings. The book (The Great Fire Of London by Neil Hanson) stated, “The old St. Paul’s Cathedral was destroyed, as were many other historic landmarks. Within days, King Charles II set about rebuilding his capital. The great architect Sir Christopher Wren designed a new St. Paul’s
