Why is Monument London important to London?

Why is Monument London important to the City of London?

In the heart of the financial district of London stands a 61 meters, (202 feet) Doric column, simply known as Monument.


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Monument London

The Doric column, simply known as the Monument, was built between 1671 and 1677 as a reminder of the Great Fire of London 1666 and the rebuilding of the City of London.
The Doric column, simply known as the Monument, was built between 1671 and 1677 as a reminder of the Great Fire of London 1666 and the rebuilding of the City of London | Image: georgina_daniel

The Monument is an important landmark in London. It is a permanent reminder to the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the rebuilding of London from its ashes. The Monument was built between 1671 and 1677.

The Great Fire of London and Monument

The Great Fire of London was a significant event in London’s history because it destroyed the greater part of the City. The Great Fire brought the City to a standstill, severely damaging thousands of houses and buildings and hundreds of streets. Although the loss of lives was little, the impact of the fire was hugely felt by Londoners.

The only buildings to survive the Great Fire were the Leadenhall Market, the Royal Exchange, the Middle Temple Hall, the Staple Inn and the Guildhall. The source of the fire was a baker’s house in Pudding Lane and it started on Sunday 2nd September 1666. The fire was extinguished on Wednesday 5th September 1666.

Monument as a landmark

So, in keeping with ancient tradition to mark an event with a landmark, the Doric column was built. It was fascinating to discover that the precise location of the Monument was also a significant factor. It is located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill. It is 61 metres (202 feet) high which is the exact distance between the baker’s shop in Pudding Lane and the Monument.

Design of the Monument

The viewing platform near the top of the Monument and at the top, a drum and a copper urn from which flames emerge to symbolise the Great Fire of 1666
The viewing platform near the top of the Monument and at the top, a drum and a copper urn from which flames emerge to symbolise the Great Fire of 1666

The column was designed by Dr Robert Hooke with collaboration from Sir Christopher Wren. It is a narrow-spiral stone stairs of 311 steps leading to a viewing platform near the top of the Monument.  The Monument is surmounted by a drum and a copper urn from which flames emerge to symbolise the Great Fire.

The Monument was initially used as a centre for experiments for the Royal Society but this was soon discontinued. Thereafter, the Monument became a point of historic interest as a unique structure.

Finally…

The Monument is one of the popular “must-see” places in London and it offers a 360 degree spectacular panoramic views across London from the public gallery which is about 160 feet high.

It is inexpensive and is a landmark in London to tick-off your list. I highly recommend it.

Practical information on Monument London

Opening hours

Summer Opening Hours:  April – September 9:30am – 6:00pm daily (last admission 5:30pm)


Winter Opening Hours: October – March 9:30am – 5:30pm daily (last admission 5:00pm)


The Monument is closed from 24 – 26 December.

Admission prices

Adults £4.50
Children (aged 5-15) £2.30
Students (with identification) £3.00
Aged 60+ £3.00

Joint tickets for Tower Bridge Exhibition and the Monument

Adults £11.00
Children (aged 5-15) £5.00
Students (with identification) £7.50

Aged 60+ £7.50
1 Adult & 2 Children £18.30
2 Adults & 1 Child £23.10
2 Adults & 2 Children £26.50
2 Adults & 3 / 4 Children £30.90
Under 5 FREE

https://www.themonument.org.uk

PLEASE NOTE: The Monument only accepts cash payment, and children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Travelling to Monument

By tube:

Use Monument Station on the District and Circle lines; or

London Bridge on the Northern and Jubilee lines.

By train: 

Use London Bridge, Fenchurch Street or Tower Gateway DLR stations

By bus: 

Use numbers 17, 521, 21, 43, 133, 141, 48, 149 (all routes go through London Bridge).


Is this post valuable to you in planning your trip to London? If so, let me know in comments below or via Contact Form. I would love to hear from you.

Happy Discovering London!

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By Georgina

Georgina is a travel writer and a content creator. An escapist, she seeks stories, off-beat things to do, and adores the beauty of culture while embracing comfort and slow travel as a responsible traveller in the off-season. Georgina has lived in 3 continents, visited 30+ countries and strives to share her travel steps, passion, and experienced tips to inspire her readers to explore for themselves. Georgina enjoys venturing solo, takes pleasure in listening to classical, country & jazz, and delights in spending joyous time with A & M, her two adult children.

3 comments

  1. Thank you so much! I am glad that this blog is useful and inspiring 🙂
    Come back and let us know how your trip went and share your experiences.

  2. I have some friends coming over to the UK in the summer and I’m going to take them to the observation deck. I had no idea that was there!! Thank you!

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