 In late 1664, a bright comet was to be seen in the sky and the people of London were fearful, wondering what evil event it portended.London at that time consisted of a city of about 448 acres surrounded by a city wall, which had originally been built to keep out raiding bands.There were gates at Ludgate, Newgate, Aldersgate, Cripplegate, Moorgate and Bishopsgate and to the south lay the River Thames and London Bridge.