The Monument is the oldest ticketed attraction in London and commemorates the Great Fire of London, a devastating fire that burned through the heart of the capital for four days in September 1666.
Enjoy 360-degree views from one of London's most historic attractions.
Climb the iconic 311 steps to the top of The Monument to enjoy panoramic views across London.
A permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666, The Monument commemorates one of the most significant events in London’s history.
The 202ft column, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke and stands on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street.
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.
- The Monument stands 202 feet (61 metres) in height and 202 feet (61 metres) to the west of the spot where the Great Fire started on Pudding Lane
- 311 spiral steps lead up to the public viewing platform, where visitors can get breath-taking views of London from 160 feet (48.7 metres) above ground
- When Wren and Hooke designed The Monument, it was to double up as a scientific instrument - a Zenith telescope, for gravity and pendulum experiments, connecting to an underground laboratory!
- Everyone who makes the climb is awarded a certificate to mark the occasion
- The Monument is a Grade 1 listed building, the highest designation possible
- The Monument is a fluted doric column built of Portland Stone, topped with a golden orb
The Monument to the Great Fire of London is open daily from:
09:30-13:00 and 14:00-18:00*.
Last entry is at 12:30 and 17:30.
*The Monument is closed 24 - 26 December.
N.B.Children aged 15 years or under must be accompanied by an adult. Companion tickets are available for those accompanying people with disabilities.
The top of The Monument to the Great Fire of London is reached by climbing 311 steps. Unfortunately due to the nature of the attraction, it is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties or people that use a wheelchair.
The Monument to the Great Fire of London is owned, funded and managed by the City of London Corporation.
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH
or email enquiries@towerbridge.org.uk
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The Monument to the Great Fire of London, more commonly known simply as the Monument, is a fluted Doric column in London, England, situated near the northern end of London Bridge. Commemorating the Great Fire of London, it stands at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, 202 feet (62 m) in height and 202 feet west of the spot in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire started on 2 September 1666. Constructed between 1671 and 1677, it was built on the site of St Margaret, New Fish Street, the first church to be destroyed by the Great Fire. It is Grade I-listed and is a scheduled monument. Another monument, the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, marks the point near Smithfield where the fire was stopped.
The Monument comprises a Doric column built of Portland stone topped with a gilded urn of fire. It was designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke. Its height marks its distance from the site of the shop of Thomas Farriner (or Farynor), the king's baker, where the blaze began.
The viewing platform near the top of the Monument is reached by a narrow winding staircase of 345 steps. A mesh cage was added in the mid-19th century to prevent people jumping to the ground, after six people died by suicide there between 1788 and 1842.
| Product Location | Fish Street Hill, EC3R 8AH, London, United Kingdom |
