The Great Fire of London

In 1666, a catastrophic event named the

Great Fire of London befell the city,

devouring much of its architecture.

Despite the destruction, an unexpected

upside emerged from the ashes. The fire

drastically cut down the city's rat

population. This unexpected consequence

played a critical role in ending a

deadly disease of the time, the bubonic

plague. Fast forward a couple centuries

later. During the Victorian era, people

had a peculiar way of preserving

memories with their deceased loved ones.

Victorians would pose for portraits with

their departed family members, a

practice that may seem eerie today.

These momento mori or reminders of

mortality served as their version of a

scrapbook, a testament to their love and

memory.