ten o'clock before
Halls , towers , churches , public and private buildings , were burning to the number of more than ten thousand , while clouds of smoke covered the vast expanse of more than fifty miles . Travellers approaching London from the north-east were enveloped in it ten miles off , and the fiery reflection in the sky could be discerned at an equal distance . The `` hideous storm , '' as Evelyn terms the fearful and astounding noise produced by the roaring of the flames and the falling of the numerous fabrics , continued without intermission during the whole of that fatal night . It was full ten o'clock before Leonard could obtain permission to quit the king 's party , and he immediately hurried to Wood-street . He had scarcely entered it , when the cry of `` fire '' smote his ears , and rushing forward in an agony of apprehension , he beheld Mr. Bloundel 's dwelling in flames . A large crowd was collected before the burning habitation , keeping guard over a vast heap of goods and furniture that had been removed from it . So much beloved was Mr. Bloundel , and in such high estimation was his character held , that all his neighbours , on learning that his house was on fire , flew to his assistance , and bestirred themselves so actively , that in an extraordinary short space of time they had emptied the house of every article of value , and placed it out of danger in the street .