Considering a towering inferno, the Great Fire of London Monument stands tall. This isn’t just a stone column. It’s a story etched in Portland stone. It’s a testament to London’s resilience. The Monument to the Great Fire of London marks a pivotal moment in London’s history.
Rising from the ashes of the Great Fire in 1666, this Doric column commemorates that terrible event. The fire started in Farynor’s bakery on Pudding Lane. It consumed four fifths of the city. Imagine the devastation. Yet, from the ruins, Londoners rebuilt their city. The Monument to the Great Fire of London symbolizes their determination.
Look up. The Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. It stands 202 feet high. That height isn’t arbitrary. If you laid the monument on its side it would reach Pudding Lane where the fire began. The column was built between 1671 and 1677. It took six years to build due to the difficulty in getting enough Portland stone. King Charles II even issued a proclamation to ensure its supply.
The architect was Sir Christopher Wren. He was aided by Robert Hooke. Wren was known for designing London’s parish churches. Hooke was a curator of experiments for the Royal Society. At the top of the Monument to the Great Fire of London is a gilded urn of fire. Original plans included a Phoenix or a statue of Charles II. But they chose the urn for its symbolism and lower cost.
At the base of the Monument, you will find inscriptions in Latin. These inscriptions describe the fire. They also praise Charles II’s efforts to rebuild London. The inscriptions are meant to evoke the res gestae of Augustus. This is to draw a parallel between Charles II and the Roman emperor.
On the west side, a sculpture by Caius Gabriel Cibber depicts the fire and rebuilding. Charles and his brother James are shown in Roman dress. The sculpture represents the restoration of London after the destruction. The Monument to the Great Fire of London also served as a scientific instrument. It contained a zenith telescope for astronomical observations. However, vibrations from traffic made it impractical.
Climb the 311 steps to the viewing platform. A cage was added in the 19th century. This was to prevent suicides after several tragic incidents. From the top, you can see a panoramic view of London. The Monument continues to attract visitors from around the world. It stands as a reminder of London’s past. It also celebrates the city’s ability to rise from the ashes. The Monument to the Great Fire of London is more than just a monument. It’s a symbol of London’s enduring spirit.