Monument

The Monument in London is a towering structure commemorating the Great Fire of London, which devastated much of the city in 1666. The fire ignited at Thomas Farriner’s bakery, and rampaged through London’s timber framed buildings for five long days and nights, destroying almost everything within its wake. The Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke, was completed in 1677 and stands 62 m (202 ft) tall, precisely the distance from its location to the site in Pudding Lane where the fire began. Its purpose was not only to memorialise the tragic event but also to symbolise London’s resilience and rebirth. The Monument’s design is a striking example of classical architecture. It is a fluted Doric column topped with a gilded flaming urn, representing the Great Fire. The column is made of Portland stone, and visitors can climb 311 steep spiral steps to reach a viewing platform that offers panoramic views of London, including landmarks such as the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. An interesting fact is that Wren and Hooke originally intended the Monument to have a scientific purpose. They proposed using it as a giant telescope, but this idea was ultimately abandoned. Still, the Monument has become a symbol of scientific and architectural achievement in its own right. The nearby drinking fountain and stone seats are inscribed with words of the famous children’s nursery rhyme, and read ; "London's burning, London's burning, fetch the engine, fetch the engine, fire fire, fire fire, pour on water, pour on water!" Over the centuries, the surrounding area has undergone significant redevelopment, with modern office buildings and shops now occupying the vicinity. Despite this, the Monument remains an iconic feature of London’s skyline and a popular tourist attraction. For visitors, the climb to the top offers both a historical journey through one of the city’s most significant events and a reward of sweeping views over modern London.