On this day in 1666, the Great Fire of London broke out and burned for three days, destroying 10,000 buildings including St Paul's Cathedral.
On this day in 1905, China's Ching court abolished the civil service examination system and promoted the establishment of public and private schools.
On this day in 1947, the Treaty of Rio de Janeiro, an agreement on mutual assistance, was signed by 19 Central and South American states.