The Monument.... is leaning!

The Monument - view the Thames for 2 quid at 202 feet.

Location: Near King William Street, EC4R 9AA

Description: The Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke to commemorate the Great Fire of London was built in 1677 and has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years. Standing 202 feet high, the Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. It's height is the exact distance from where the Great Fire was started in Pudding Lane.

The column was completed in 1677, and in accordance with Wren's original intention, was at first used as a place for certain experiments of the Royal Society, but vibrations caused by ceaseless traffic proved too great for the success of these experiments and they were discontinued; thereafter the Monument became a place of historic interest, unique of its kind, providing visitors with an opportunity to look across London in all directions from a height of about 160 feet, being the level of the public gallery.

Six people have jumped from the top to their deaths, causing the viewing gallery to be enclosed in 1842.

It was renovated and re-opened to the public in Feb 2009, along with the findings that it is now leaning slightly (2 feet from being dead straight).

Tours: Curios

Tours: Scientific Tour

Tours: Elizabethan & Stuart London

Tours: London 2012

Themes: Historical Historical Theme