Why was Christopher Wren’s plan for rebuilding London not carried out?

Following the Great Fire of London in 1666, Christopher Wren submitted a proposal to Charles II to rebuild the city on new, more regular lines. Although the king initially proclaimed that a new plan would be adopted, Wren’s design was never implemented.1

The primary obstacles to carrying out the plan were the immense logistical and legal challenges regarding the survey of the devastated area, the compensation of property owners, and the complex redistribution of land. Because the city needed to be reconstructed rapidly, authorities ultimately rejected the adoption of a rational, comprehensive street plan. Instead, a rebuilding act passed in 1667 focused on practical improvements, such as widening certain streets, establishing fire-resistant construction standards—specifically requiring the use of brick—and providing for the restoration of essential buildings.12