On the particular day we decided to ascend the great Monument was a weekend that the Northern Line was partially closed (pick any weekend), and we were routed all through Bank station to exit. After walking what already felt like 311 steps just to get out from the Tube, we arrived at The Monument and purchased our combo tickets to walk a further 311 steps to the top of the observation platform.
The Monument was erected in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 and celebrate the rebuilding of the city of London. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke. It is 202 ft tall (the exact distance to the origin of the fire on Pudding Lane). The golden urn at the top with flames coming from it is to symbolize the fire that consumed the city. It was also built with a purpose to all experiment to be conducted by the Royal Society, but in the end it remained a public gallery with 360 degree uninterrupted views of London.
I do enjoy a good birds eye view of a place and seeing London from different vantage points never gets old to me.
When you achieve the monumental task of climbing up and then down the narrow spiraling staircase, you are awarded a certificate of completion. After a half pint of cider at a near by pub my nerves were restored and we continued to Tower Bridge for the 2nd part of our tickets.
Did you know you could go up into the Monument? I had just recently discovered this and knew I had to check it out. I don't know how this bit of information had escaped me for so many years.
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