That's it - Time to go - I've had a blast, but this is the end - search the internet and I'm sure yo...
That's it - Time to go - I've had a blast, but this is the end - search the internet and I'm sure you'll find me - Yours IamtheHumanRace
Member since:15.07.2000
Reviews:123
Members who trust:35
When I was 25 I took 1 week off work just to tour around London - I had lived there for 2 years already and although I had seen most of the large sites I knew there were the hidden places, secret London.....
Where is "Monument"?
Easy - Monument tube station on the circle line
Why is "Monument"
Monument was erected by Sir Christopher Wren (although I don't think he was a 'Sir' at that time) to commemorate the Great Fire of London of 1666.
1) Monument is a memorial to all the people who died in the fire (and in part the plague also which occurred the year before)
2) In part a tribute to the workers and designers who rebuilt the city tirelessly
3) In part celebration of the work, drive and camaraderie of the people in pulling together in rebuilding the community and keeping London the trade, social capital of England.
What is "Monument"?
Monument is a small tower column of 311 steps on Fish Street Hill at the north bank of the River Thames. It now lies on its own cobbled square and is in a grandiose Greek style (another reviewer claims it is "Doric, Greek" architecture and I will bow to her judgement as I have no idea myself) Atop the column stands a golden statuette symbolising a city rising from flames.
However monument is not just a view from the top. The 4 reliefs around the square base as you walk round show the fire and the street scenes with a final side depicting Charles II protecting the city. Charles II must have been an unlucky man what with plague, fire and war with Spain in a 3 years span (1665-1667). However he did return London to prosperity and London became an incredibly modern city. The most impressive and newest city on Europe at the time. Interestingly the description panel had to be removed and altered as it declares the fire the result of a "Popish faction" isn't religion a funny business.
So you're going to climb Monument?
Right - inside are 311 steps in a very tight spiral. That is the way up and also the way down. So start climbing. And there is nothing to see until you get to the top.
Is it worth it?
Yes - for three reasons
1) The view, which although not the grandest given the current building work (in 2004) still gives you a good view of the new London (London Bridge) and old London (St. Paul's)
2) Although the top gets white washed often because of the graffiti there was one piece which seems to have been left untouched. It reads: "I was 'ere 1677 - Samuel Pepys" I hope this stays forever there!!
3) You get a certificate when you get to the bottom again written in an Classical English style
Details: Price: £2.00 (in 2004) Steps: 311 steps Open: 09:30-17:30 Joint visit: if you are on a tour of London you can combine many places of interest to get cheaper entry. Joint places include Tower Bridge Experience / Tower of London / Westminster Abbey / St. Paul's
Happy climbing
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Is there reduced entry for disabled? It might take me the whole of opening time to get up and down those steps with my two sticks - but I was never one to scorn a responsible challenge - and I climbed the Washington Monument when I was about five with my daddy and big sister... - ♥ - jes ≈≈≈≈{; -)-{{::::: |||||<
hiedihi 27.01.2005 13:49
Couldnt be arsed to climb stairs like that !
Heidi xx
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Clean, comfortable, accessible and close promimity to sights and transport network. Disadvantages: All shops, bars and eateries are closed at weekends in the business district .
Jan 26th, 2005
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