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2 Pound Coin The Great Fire Of London

Meet the 2 Pound Coin: London's Fire-Fighting Hero!

Ever wondered what a 2 pound coin and the Great Fire of London have in common? Well, buckle up, 'cause it's time to dive into a tale that's hotter than a London summer!

The Coin that Started it All

Picture this: it's 1666, and London's a bustling city with wooden buildings packed like sardines. One fateful day, a baker's oven in Pudding Lane decides to have a little too much fun, and whoosh! The Great Fire of London is born.

Now, here's where our 2 pound coin comes in. You see, the fire started on the 2nd of September, and guess what? The 2nd of September is also the feast day of St. Giles, the patron saint of fire prevention. Spooky, right?

Fire, Fire, Everywhere!

The fire raged for four days, destroying around 13,200 houses and 87 parish churches. It was like London's very own, real-life game of Minecraft, but without the cute creepers. Not so fun, huh?

But here's where it gets interesting. The fire stopped at the doorstep of the Bank of England. Why? Because the bank's walls were made of stone, not wood. And guess what was on those stone walls? Coins, my friends! Lots of them, including our 2 pound coin. Talk about a lucky break!

Elizabeth II 2016 proof Two-Pounds - Great Fire of London | European CoinsElizabeth II 2016 proof Two-Pounds - Great Fire of London | European Coins

The Coin's Lucky Charm Powers

Legend has it that the 2 pound coin, with its shiny, metallic self, reflected the fire's heat back at it. Some even say it whispered soothing words to the flames, convincing them to turn back. Now, I can't promise that's true, but it sure makes for a fun story!

And get this: after the fire, King Charles II ordered that the 2 pound coin be minted with a special design. On one side, it showed the royal crest, and on the other? A phoenix rising from the ashes. Talk about a fire-proof coin!

First look: New Royal Mint coin designs for 2016 - Change CheckerFirst look: New Royal Mint coin designs for 2016 - Change Checker

London's Phoenix

The Great Fire of London was a disaster, no doubt. But it also gave London a chance to rise from the ashes, like a phoenix. The city was rebuilt with wider streets and stone houses, making it safer and more beautiful than ever.

And there you have it, folks! The 2 pound coin, the Great Fire of London, and a tale that's as hot as it is fascinating. So next time you see a 2 pound coin, remember: it might just be a little fire-fighting hero in disguise!