2016 Elizabeth II 'The 350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of London' £2 Coin

London in 1666 bore little resemblance to the metropolis we know today. The city's landscape was dominated by wooden structures instead of towering skyscrapers, a factor that contributed significantly to the catastrophic spread of what began as a small fire in a Pudding Lane bakery. This inferno would go on to engulf much of the capital, forcing residents to abandon their possessions and flee for their lives.

Aaron West, a talented member of The Royal Mint's design team, has masterfully captured this harrowing moment in history. His design portrays the perspective of a Londoner seeking refuge on the River Thames, offering a glimpse into the devastating scenes that unfolded during the Great Fire.

The events of 1666 have left such an indelible mark on history that the tale of the Great Fire continues to captivate audiences centuries later. It remains a staple in school curricula and has been dramatized in various television productions. West's powerful design encapsulates the pivotal moments that forever altered London's landscape, bringing to life the stories of those who lived through this transformative event.

*Image is representative of the coin you will receive 

**Struck for general circulation and subsequently acquired by The Royal Mint from the secondary market.