Monument
Monument Street
London
EC3R 8AH
T: 020 7626 2717
E: enquiries@towerbridge.org.uk
Visitor Information
Architect: Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke
Built: 1677
Size: 61 metres high
Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world, with a total of 345 steps. It was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and stands at 61 metres high – the exact distance between the site and the place in Pudding Lane where the fire began. Prolific City architect Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke drew up plans for a column made of Portland stone containing a cantilevered stone staircase of 311 steps leading to a viewing platform. Wren popularised the use of Portland stone with the rebuilding of London and in total six millions tonnes were used in the restoration of the capital.
Monument consists of a pedestal about 21 feet square and 40 feet high, with a plinth 28 feet square, and a fluted shaft 120 feet high and 15 feet in diameter. On the abacus is a balcony encompassing a moulded cylinder, which supports a flaming urn or vase of gilt bronze, symbolizing the Fire. At the foot of the column on the four sides of the pedestal are three Latin inscriptions and a relief sculpture by Caius Gabriel Cibber. Monument underwent major refurbishment work in 2008.