The Monument

On this day in 2023, British-Iranian activist and artist Anahita Harding performed Steps, where she climbed the 311 steps to the top of The Monument to raise awareness of the difficulties that disabled people face in situations such as fire evacuations. Photo credits @Dammo

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is topped with a flaming golden orb. When the light hits just right, it looks like real fire flickering in the sunshine.

Some of the inscriptions on the base of The Monument were added later. Construction was complete in 1677, additional words were added in 1681 due to misinformation around the reason for the fire. The additions were removed in 1830 after the discovery of an accidental bakery fire.

@dominicsbaker We would hope so! 😂

@The_Monument Yes. And back down as well!

Have you conquered the stairway to the top of The Monument?

Did you know, in 1814 a man walked his pony up and down The Monument - all without it slipping on the stone stairs? 🐎

The Frieze is a large image carved in stone on the side of The Monument. It shows King Charles II with many figures including Justice, Glory and Time. Can you spot any other characters?

@FeatherstonePr2 Thank you for dropping in! We hope you had a wonderful day.

#Year2 children enjoyed a visit to Monument where they climbed up 311 steps to see an amazing view of #London They walked along Pudding Lane, recounting the events of the Great Fire of London and also visited St Paul's Cathedral. @StPaulsLondon @The_Monument #visitLondon

The view from The Monument looking east features Tower Bridge as a prominent feature. What differences can you see in these photos taken from our viewing platform from 1970's to the 2020's? Plan your visit to the top and have a look at the view for yourself.

The Monument has a few stone dragons guarding it's base. They are included in this structure is a part of the City of London's coat of arms, who have looked after this attraction since it's construction.

A spot of sunshine ☀

In 1852, four artillery men of the Royal Artillery were stationed on the Monument in order to pass signals from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London on the occasion of the funeral of the Duke of Wellington. Can you imagine having such a job?

Did you know The Monument was originally designed to be used as a telescope and physics laboratory? The vibrations from nearby traffic meant it never became operational and was redesigned into a visitor attraction. 📷 by @AlexFaKso

Can you spot the base of The Monument featured in this painting by Henry Edward Tidmarsh from 1898? Photo credit @TheLdnArchives

Looking out for blue skies at The Monument. ☁

@andrew_writer Great question! It may have leant, or it may have swayed slightly. The main problem in our records was more vibrational - with the roads being so close to The Monument, the vibrations would not work with a telescope, rendering the building to find other uses.

@The_Monument Has the Monument ever had a problem with leaning? A journal written in 1784 says it was closed ‘owing to a slight inclination to one side.’

On 6 September 1666, The Great Fire of London was finally put out. Pepys reflected on the damage left behind in his diary, "A sad sight to see how the River looks: no houses nor church near it" ©The London Archives

On 2 September 1666 the Great Fire of London began. Strong winds caused the fire to spread across the City. By 5 September, when the Fire had been largely put out, Pepys wrote "Lord! what sad sight it was by moone-light to see, the whole City almost on fire" ©The London Archives

This Samuel Pepys' day, 6 September, follow in the steps of London's most infamous diarist, with 2 walking tours departing from the monument. For more details: cityoflondonguides.com/tours/pepys-da…

Did you know The Monument was also an observatory? A Zenith Telescope was installed through the centre spire. Unfortunately, The Monument moved too much in the wind to be used for observatory purposes 🔭