If you want one of the best views of London, you have a number of options – if you’re willing to pay; The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, etc.
But if you’re travelling on a budget, there’s a little-known venue in the City of London that not only affords a spectacular view of the city, it also comes at a ridiculously affordable price. It's the London Monument to the Great Fire of 1666!
- What is the Monument?
- Description of the Monument
- Where is the Monument?
- Tickets, Opening Times and Visitor Information
- Virtual Tour: The Great Fire of London
- Other Attractions Nearby
What is the Monument to the Great Fire of 1666?
The Monument To The Great Fire of London commemorates one of the most significant events in London's history.
In the early hours of September 1666, a fire in a bakery on Pudding Lane broke out, eventually destroying nearly all of medieval London.
When the reconstruction of the city began, King Charles II decreed that a monument should be constructed to commemorate the disaster.
Architects Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren designed the Monument and it was completed in 1677 at a cost of £13,450.00 (just over £1.5Million today).
Today it holds the record of being the world's tallest, free-standing, stone column!
For decades after it was built, the Monument was the highest viewpoint in London and was a popular visitor attraction - it is even mentioned in the Dickens work Martin Chuzzlewit.
Though it is no longer the highest viewpoint in London (that accolade goes to the Shard), it is still accessible to the public and well worth the effort to visit.
Oh, and once a visitor has climbed the 311 steps to the top, and back down again, they are awarded with a certificate that congratulates them on their efforts - a truly unique London souvenir.
Those coming on our City of London tour will be shown The London Monument during the walk and the tour ends a short distance away!
Description of the Monument
Nowadays just called The Monument, this iconic 17th-century London landmark comprises a doric column made of portland stone, topped by a viewing gallery and a gilded urn of fire.
The pedestal base has four sides with varying depictions, inscriptions, and details about the blaze:
The west side of the base displays a relief sculpture by Caius Gabriel Cibber featuring King Charles II and his brother, James, the Duke of York, who helped battle the blaze.
The south side describes the King's actions after the fire. The east side describes how the Monument came to be.
The north side describes how the fire began - although this description has changed throughout the years.
The initial carving (nothing but lies) blamed the fire on Catholics, supposedly acting in a popish frenzy, even threatening further action!
A Latin sentence was even added to the end of the inscription previously read: Sed Furor Papisticus Qui Tamdiu Patravit Nondum Restingvitur (but Popish frenzy, which wrought such horrors, is not yet quenched).
The column stands at exactly 202 ft. high (62 m) because, if it was tipped over onto its' side, the top of it would touch the exact spot on Pudding Lane where the bakery in which the Great Fire is thought to have begun, used to stand.
A plaque at that location, a gift from London's bakers, is placed on the same site and reads: Near this site stood the shop belonging to Thomas Faryner the King's Baker in which the Great Fire of September 1666 Began.
Where is the Monument?
The Monument is located adjacent to the intersection of Fish Street Hill and Monument Street.
The best way to reach it is to use this Google map for directions to get to the Monument.
Nearest Underground Station: Monument/Bank (Read our post on navigating the London Underground.)
Nearest Rail Station: London Bridge or Cannon Street
Buses Routes: 17, 21, 35, 43, 47, 133, 141, 149, 344, 388
If you are planning on utilizing a hop-on, hop-off bus to travel around London, keep in mind that companies, such as Big Bus, have stops at the London Monument.
Read our comparison post on London bus tour options.
Tickets, Opening Times and Visitor Information
Ticket Prices
- Adult (16+): £6.00
- Child (5 to 15): £3.00
- Under 5: FREE
- Student (with ID): £4.50
- Senior (with ID): £4.50
Admission is free with the London Pass.
Opening Times
The Monument is open daily from:
9:30 - 13:00 (last entry at 12:30) and again from 14:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Additional Information
There are a limited number of people allowed in the Monument at any given time so you may have to wait a short while before you enter.
Bag searchers are in operation.
Visitors should be prepared for a workout, as there is no lift and 311 stairs on a narrow winding staircase to climb!
Once at the top, guests can stand on a viewing platform that provides 360-degree panoramic views of the capital and a close-up look at the golden flames on top of the monument.
For more information, check out the London Monument Visitor Information page.