Monument To The Great Fire Of London Overview
History Of Fire Of London Monument
- The Monument to the Great Fire of London, located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill in London, was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London.
- The fire, which started at a baker’s house in Pudding Lane on September 2nd, 1666, caused extensive damage, leaving only stone buildings such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Guildhall partially standing.
- A decision was made to erect a permanent memorial to mark the site of the fire's origin. This was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke, who envisaged a Doric column in the antique tradition.
- The Fire of London Monument stands 61 metres tall, the exact distance from its base to the starting point of the fire in Pudding Lane.
- Despite initial use for the Royal Society's experiments, traffic-induced vibrations made it unsuitable. The Monument then became a place of historical interest and a unique vantage point offering panoramic views of London.
- Over the years, the Monument has witnessed various incidents and undergone renovations. For instance, in May 1834, the gilt-bronze urn was re-gilded and the column steam-cleaned, with bomb scars removed in 1954.
- The Monument, despite sustaining minor bomb damage during the Second World War, remained standing, reflecting its resilience against disaster.
- Today, the Fire of London Monument draws thousands of visitors annually, offering them a slice of London's history and an unparalleled view of the city. It stands as a testament to the city's ability to rebuild and endure.
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Structure And Design Of Fire Of London Monument
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The Fire of London Monument is an exemplary work by Sir Christopher Wren. His design process, involving thoughtful deliberation, led to the creation of the iconic pillar. Initially, Wren proposed a pillar with a phoenix but pivoted to a large statue of Charles II. However, due to budgetary constraints, he settled on an urn of flames. This design symbolises the Great Fire while also being durable and highly visible from afar. The final design of the Monument exhibits a balance between aesthetic appeal, symbolic resonance, and practicality, serving as a lasting testament to a pivotal moment in London's history.
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The Monument to the Great Fire of London, completed in 1677, is a magnificent Doric pillar made of Portland stone. Its total height of 202 feet equals its eastward distance from the fire's origin. The pillar is the world's tallest isolated stone column, housing a spiral staircase with 345 steps that lead to a public balcony, offering a stunning view of the city. Construction took six years due to the challenge of obtaining the needed stone, which led to a royal proclamation restricting Portland stone transportation. The Monument, costing approximately 14 lakhs, contains 28,196 cubic feet of stone and stands as a remarkable testament to London's resilience.
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The Fire of London Monument features a poignant basso-relievo sculpture by Caius Gabriel Cibber on its west panel. The sculpture is a symbol-laden allegory; it portrays a desolate London City figure, languishing amidst ruins and a raging fire, slowly being lifted by Time. Nearby, Industry, represented by a beehive, and other figures signifying Peace and Plenty, suggest the city's resurgence. King Charles II, depicted in Roman attire, commands his attendants, personifying Science, Architecture, and Liberty, towards the city’s aid. His brother, the Duke of York, prepares to crown the city, illustrating London's post-fire restoration. These artful representations make the Monument a vivid historical narrative.
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Know Before You Go Monument To The Great Fire Of London
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- Location: The Monument to the Great Fire of London is located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill in the City of London. Its address is: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, United Kingdom
- Timing: The Fire of London Monument is open for visits between 09:30 a.m. to 01:00 p.m., and between 02:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m. on all days of the week.
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- By Tube: The Monument tube station, located just a stone's throw away from The Monument, is your closest underground station. You can access it via the District and Circle lines. Another nearby option is the Bank tube station, which is a mere five-minute walk from The Monument. This station provides access to the Central, Northern, Waterloo and City lines, as well as the DLR.
- By Train: If you prefer travelling by train, you can choose from multiple stations within walking distance of The Monument. London Bridge, Cannon Street, Fenchurch Street, and Tower Gateway DLR stations are all conveniently located nearby.
- By Bus: The Monument is well-served by several bus routes. You can reach it using buses such as 17, 21, 35, 40, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344, and 521. These buses provide easy access to the monument and surrounding areas.
- By Riverboat: For a scenic journey, consider taking a riverboat. The Thames Clipper serves Tower Pier and London Bridge City Pier, both of which are a pleasant ten-minute walk from The Monument.
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Monumental Facts
- Standing at a height of 202 feet (61 metres), the Fire of London Monument is located 202 feet (61 metres) to the west of the spot where the Great Fire started on Pudding Lane. It serves as a reminder of the catastrophic event that took place in 1666.
- The Monument features a public viewing platform that can be reached by climbing 311 spiral steps. From the platform, you can enjoy breathtaking views of London from a height of 160 feet (48.7 metres) above the ground.
- Interestingly, when Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke designed the Monument to the Great Fire of London, it was intended to serve as a scientific instrument as well. It functioned as a Zenith telescope and facilitated gravity and pendulum experiments, connecting to an underground laboratory.
- Every person who climbs to the top of the Monument is awarded a certificate to commemorate their achievement.
- The Monument is recognized as a Grade 1 listed building, which is the highest designation for historic structures in the United Kingdom.
- Constructed from Portland Stone, the Fire of London Monument takes the form of a fluted Doric column. It is topped with a golden orb, with a total height of 202 feet, making it the world's tallest isolated stone column. The design and materials used showcase the architectural prowess of the time.
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FAQs
What is The Monument?
The Monument is a Doric column standing as an enduring tribute to the Great Fire of London of 1666, and the city's subsequent rebirth. Its height, 202 feet, signifies the historic event's prominence. Listed as Grade I, this much-visited landmark offers a panoramic view of the City of London from its top, encapsulating its symbolic value. The Fire of London Monument stands testament to London's resilience, making it a noteworthy chapter in the capital's rich narrative.
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Who built the Monument to the Great Fire Of London?
The Monument to the Great Fire of London was conceptualised and designed by Robert Hooke and the renowned Sir Christopher Wren, who played a key role in London's reconstruction post the Great Fire. Wren's signature contribution to London's skyline is the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral. The Monument's construction, starting in 1671 and finishing in 1677, is a fitting testament to Wren's involvement in the city's post-fire rejuvenation.
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Can you go up the Monument to the Fire of London?
Yes, you can indeed ascend the Monument to the Great Fire of London. This is facilitated by an internal staircase that leads to a viewing platform at the top. It's an immersive experience, allowing visitors to physically connect with the city's history. Moreover, from this elevated vantage point, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of London, making the climb a rewarding endeavour.
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How tall is the Monument to the Fire of London?
The Monument to the Great Fire of London stands at an impressive height of 202 feet (61 metres). This isn't random - the height is symbolic, meticulously chosen to mark the distance from the Monument to the bakery in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire reportedly started. Thus, its stature serves both as a physical measure and a historical reminder of the city's catastrophic event.
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How many stairs are in The Monument?
The Fire of London Monument is equipped with 311 steps, leading you to a viewing platform. This significant number is designed to match the monument's height in feet, which is also a symbolic representation of the fire's origin at the site. Therefore, each step ascended can be seen as a step back in time, deepening one's connection to London's rich history.
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