Breaking out in a baker's house in Gold Street, the fire spread rapidly due to the prevalence of straw-thatched roofs in the town.

The fire resulted in the introduction of legislation that attempted to prevent a similar incident happening in the future.

The fire spread quickly due to the preponderance of straw thatched roofs in the area, further exaggerated by the presence of a strong northerly wind.

[6] The Rev Samuel Newte, in a letter to a London schoolmaster published in the Gentleman's Magazine, described the extent of the fire as follows: "All the houses from Loman Bridge to the end of High Street, (a few about the church excepted,) and all the dwellings backward, the greatest part of Barriton and Bampton Streets, also an Aims-House, Corn-Market House, Market Cross and Shambles, are entirely laid in ashes.

"[6] As news of the fire spread, donations to cover the damage costs were brought to Tiverton from various places.

[6] The Bishop of Exeter issued a circular letter in his diocese, appealing for contributions towards the fund for Tiverton; a significant amount was subsequently raised.

The populations of other cities, including London and Bristol, gathered notable collections for Tiverton, and also for Blandford and Ramsey which had similarly been affected by fire.

Smallpox, which had afflicted the town for a while, became more prevalent as people were forced to share the houses that had survived the flames, which in some instances meant eight or ten families living in one building.

[5] Merchants constructed several large properties in the town, including Gotham House, meaning that Tiverton became home to an unusual number of elaborate Georgian townhouses.