A permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666, The Monument commemorates one of the most significant events in London’s history.
Standing on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, the 202ft column designed by Robert Hooke in consultation with Sir Christopher Wren celebrates the City which rose from the ashes.
The Monument was built with a second purpose: to also be the site for scientific experiments. Hidden beneath The Monument is a tiny laboratory from where the column was once used as a giant zenith telescope. This plan was soon abandoned as the surrounding area was too busy.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors climb The Monument's 311 spiral steps each year, and are rewarded with one of the best views of London from the public viewing platform.
