Credit: Kuan L, Unsplash (left) / Dave Catchpole, Flickr (right)
Whilst London certainly isn’t thin on the ground when it comes to its legendary landmarks, only one of the city’s many monuments is the Monument. Built to honour one of the most significant events in British history, this tall stone column was created as a commemoration of the Great Fire of London – and has been proudly overlooking the Square Mile for 350 years now.
Perched just 62 metres away from Pudding Lane (the very spot in which the Great Fire broke out in 1666), the Monument was designed by iconic architect, Christopher Wren, alongside scientist, Dr Robert Hooke. Built from Portland stone across a six-year period, the Monument officially opened to the public in 1677 as a celebration of the city’s resurgence – and now stands as a much-loved legacy of Old London.
Approximately 200,000 people ascend the structure’s spiral staircase each year to feast their eyes on one of the very best views in London. But that number could soon reach new heights, because – for the first time in 350 years – the Monument could be getting an actual visitor centre.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Monument currently only boasts a small entrance and ticket desk, but the demolition of the structure’s next door neighbour could pave the way for a ground-floor visitor centre. The building in question is Faryners House, a Brutalist-style structure that was named after the baker who may (or may not) have started the Great Fire of London. The demolition of this building would make room for a new office – but the redevelopment plans could also feature a dedicate visitor space.
The proposed plans come courtesy of the architectural aficionados over at Fletcher Priest Architects. Inside the prospective visitor centre, there would be be an exhibition about the Great Fire of London and a cafe. Plans are still very much in the early stages, but if they are approved, construction could start next year. And the Monument could be welcoming its shiny new visitor centre shortly after.