The homes on the northern end of the bridge were destroyed by fire in 1633. Because the gap was only partially filled by new dwellings, there was a firebreak that kept the Great Fire of London (1666) from spreading to the remainder of the bridge and Southwark. The southern end remained intact because it was used as a site for public executions. In the late 18th century, concerns about the stability of the bridge and its effect on the traffic flowing under it led to discussions about removing the houses from its face. In 1772, a report into the state of the bridge concluded that they could not be retained because they would impair its ability to carry traffic. The next year, the mayor issued orders to demolish all the houses on the north side of the river. This decision was confirmed by an act of Parliament in 1774, which also granted permission for the demolition of the houses on the south side of the bridge. The last house was demolished in 1776. After their removal, gaps were left in the middle of the bridge where the houses had stood. These were later filled with statues and other decorative items taken from the demolished houses. One reason given for removing the houses was that they were an obstruction to the view from Westminster Palace across the River Thames to the city center. But this can't have been the only reason, since they were not attached to the bridge itself.