The Monument

The Monument to the Great Fire of London, also known as simply The Monument, is an iconic landmark in the City of London. This stone column, located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, was erected to commemorate the Great Fire of London, which ravaged the city in 1666. Designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, The Monument is a testament to the city’s resilience and a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell it.

The Great Fire of London is one of the most significant events in the history of the city. The fire started on September 2, 1666, in a bakery on Pudding Lane and quickly spread, engulfing much of the city in flames. It took four days and five nights to bring the fire under control, and by the time it was extinguished, an estimated 13,000 homes, 87 churches, and countless other buildings had been destroyed. The Great Fire of London was a defining moment in the city’s history and led to significant changes in the way buildings were constructed and the way that fires were fought.

The Monument was built between 1671 and 1677, on the site where the Great Fire was believed to have started. It stands 202 feet tall and is the tallest stone column in the world. The column is made of Portland Stone and is designed in the Roman style. It is capped by a golden urn of fire, which symbolizes the flames that consumed much of the city during the Great Fire.

Visitors to The Monument can climb the narrow winding staircase to a viewing platform at the top of the column. The platform offers spectacular views of the city and is well worth the climb. However, visitors should be aware that the staircase is narrow and can be challenging to climb, especially for those with mobility issues. There are 311 steps to the top of the column, and visitors should allow at least 30 minutes for the climb and time to enjoy the views.

The Monument is open to visitors every day of the week, with the exception of Christmas Day. The opening hours are from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm from April to September and from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm from October to March. The admission fee for adults is £5, and for children under the age of 16, it is £2.50. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free. There are also discounts available for groups of 10 or more people.

In addition to the viewing platform, visitors can also learn more about the history of The Monument and the Great Fire of London in the exhibition space on the ground floor. The exhibition features artifacts from the time of the Great Fire, including a piece of the original London Bridge and a replica of the fire engine used to fight the flames.

In conclusion, The Monument to the Great Fire of London is an essential destination for anyone interested in the history of the city. It is a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell London in 1666 and a testament to the city’s resilience. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy spectacular views of the city, as well as learn more about the history of the Great Fire in the exhibition space. The Monument is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting London.