The London Walker

Its stood for over 340 years, the Monument to the Great Fire of London. It’s tucked away a short walk from the northern end of London Bridge, in a dip on Fish Street Hill and the moment you see it you are filled with a state of awe. Its one of the city’s most significant landmarks, built during the reign of King Charles II, this imposing stone column looks more like it belongs to the ancient city of Rome.

Completed in 1677, it memorialises one of the most transformative events in the city’s history, the Great Fire. The fire, which started nearby in a bakery on Pudding Lane, consumed over 13,200 houses, 87 churches, and many significant buildings, including the Guildhall and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Monument celebrates the city’s recovery and the extensive rebuilding efforts that followed the devastation.

It rises to a height of 62 meters, precisely the distance between its base and the bakery where the fire originated. Constructed from Portland stone, the fluted Doric column is topped with a gilded urn of fire, symbolising the flames which reshaped London. The base features sculptures and inscriptions in latin that tell the story of the fire, its impact, and the efforts of rebuilding.

Behind is 11-19 Monument Street, the Monument Building, which is a new commercial office space, which has a unique design encompassing chequerboard facades made of Jura stone and 69 twisting fins in bronze anodised aluminium. It creates a wonderful backdrop for photography.