Built between 1671 and 1677, Sir Christopher Wren’s flame-topped Monument is a Doric stone column commemorating the 1666 Great Fire of London. It is built on the site of St Margaret’s, the first church burnt down by the fire, and is 212 feet tall to mark its distance from the fire’s reported starting place on Pudding Lane.
Recently, the Monument has undergone repair works, as well as re-gilding the golden orb to make this symbol of the fire’s flames as impressive as ever.
Those feeling brave (and energetic!) can climb the 311 winding steps to the top of the world’s tallest freestanding stone column in order to benefit from the stunning views across London visible from the Monument’s open-air observation gallery. What’s more, if you do so you get a certificate to prove your achievement!
For any of us counting our steps, this will be sure to take you way past the mark.
For more of architecture by Sir Christopher Wren check out St Paul’s Cathedral and the Old Royal Naval College.
I did this when I was about 11 and remembered how excited I was counting the steps and getting a certificate at the end.
It’s definitely an attraction that appeals to young kids but this time I appreciated the views more. I also got quite a few good shots for Instagram so I think if other teenagers go planning to do that they’ll enjoy it.
You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com
Climbed up here this week, kids did it easily – staircase gets quite narrow at the top though! Absolute must for any kids studying the Great Fire of London – my 6 year old has been learning all about it this term and knew more about it than me, seeing the real Pudding Lane sign nearby was great. Kids loved getting the certificate at the end.
Fantastic to walk from here right down Cannon Street to St Pauls to see just how far the fire spread.