The Monument was built after the Great Fire of London to commemorate the redevelopment of the city after it was almost completely destroyed. Although the fire claimed few victims, it devastated many buildings, homes, businesses and streets. It did however put an end to the plague that had affected the city on and off for centuries.
Its location was chosen because it is close to where the fire began, in a baker’s house on Pudding Lane. Christopher Wren was the architect chosen for the project, and he designed a 61 metre tall Doric column, the height of which is the same as the distance between the monument and the starting point of the fire. Inside a staircase of 311 steps leads up to a viewing platform. It’s open to the public 7 days a week, and entry is £3 for adults and £1.50 for under-16s.
