Tuesday 10 September 2013

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

The Monument is a tower built to commemorate the Great Fire of London. Younger Daughter has been studying the Stewart monarchs and their times. Recently, we read about the Great Fire of London which took place from 2nd to 5th September 1666 so a visit to its Monument was in order.

The Monument is built a short walk from the River Thames

and 62 metres from the baker's shop where the fire started. The tower itself is 62 metres tall and, like many post fire buildings, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. 

Climbing the Monument is via a spiral staircase with 311 stairs. 

This is the official count: Younger Daughter attempted to count but lost count when we had to pass people on the narrow stairs.

There are fine views from the top via the protective cage.


 The Gherkin


The Thames and Tower Bridge.

When we reached the bottom again, we were each given a certificate to mark our achievement!


Visiting the Monument doesn't take more than the time to walk up and down the stairs and look around at the top. It was a convenient afternoon trip, for us but could easily be combined with a more lengthy visit such as to the Tower of London or a river trip.

8 comments:

  1. I didn't know that was there! Both my older kids will be studying the Great Fire of London this year, so we'll keep this in mind next time we're in London. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Definitely worth combining with another trip to London. Have you any Stuart related trips in mind?

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  2. We walked there this summer but didn't have time to go up. I think we will have to add that to our list.

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  3. We've been to the Thames so many times but I never noticed where The Monument is! I shall have to look harder. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I was very impressed by your Thames archaeology. That has gone on our "to do" list.!

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  4. I didn't know the Monument existed, either, despite having been to Monument tube station many times!
    I'll add it to our planned Tower of London trip, I think. Thank you for sharing. Lucinda

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  5. The Monument is really close to Monument tube station providing you don't do as I've often done, and manage to get out at the Bank entrance rather than Monument!

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  6. We went to London for our honeymoon, and I vaguely remember seeing that.

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