The Monument

The Monument – Description:

The Monument is a tower designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke to mark the Great Fire of London of the 17th Century.

Ascending the tower is great and the views from the top are interesting but you have to be fit to do it – there are 311 stairs to ascend on the spiral staircase! The views used to be panoramic from the top of this 62 metre tower(the equivalent of 20+ storeys), but unfortunately surrounding developments have blocked off some of the local scenery.

The Monument – History:

In 1666 the buildings of the City of London were built mainly of wood. The buildings were also very close to each other in order to maximise density in this desirable location.

The residents of the City were well aware of the danger of fire. Curfew bells were rung in the late evening to remind people to look to their fires and damp them down for the night.

Unfortunately a fire started in 1666 – apparently in a baker’s in Pudding Lane. The fire spread incredibly quickly and destroyed 13,200 houses, 87 parish churces and St Pauls Cathedral.

The Monument with its gilded flame above a massive Doric column was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke in the 17th Century and is erected next to where the Great Fire of London started.

The Monument – Website:

http://www.themonument.info/visit/

The Monument – Opening Times:

The Monument is open every day from 9:30 to 6:00.

There is a fee for entry – Adults £3, children £1:50 (this includes a certificate to prove that you have climbed to the top).

The Monument – Getting There:

Address: Monument Street EC3R 8AH

Nearest Underground Stations: Monument (1 minute walk), Bank (3 minute walk), Cannon Street (3 minute walk), Mansion House (9 minute walk)

(click on a station name to find other places to visit nearby)