The Monument, the City of London’s memorial to the Great Fire of London, reopened to the earlier today following a £4.5 million restoration project.
Work to the memorial included the installation of a new viewing platform balustrade and cage, new telescopes as well as improved lighting, cleaner stonework and repairs to the architecture sculpture.
The ‘flaming’ orb, which symbolises the Great Fire, has been regilded and real-time panoramic views from the top of the Monument will be relayed on a dedicated website.
The extent of the work has meant the Monument has been closed to visitors for the past 18 months.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the City Surveyor, Robert Hooke, the Monument was built between 1671 and 1677. It is the tallest isolated stone column in the world – 202ft high – which is the exact distance between it and Pudding Lane, where the Great Fire of London is believed to have started.
Ian Luder, Lord Mayor of the City of London, says: “I am delighted that the Monument has been restored, repaired and protected for future generations and can now, once again, welcome visitors. Whether they come to admire Wren’s work, or enjoy the panoramic views from the top or the contrast between the old and new in the City at street level, visitors have always been drawn to the Monument.
The Monument is open daily from 9.30am – 5.30pm (last admission 5pm). Admission for adults is £3.00, £2.00 for concessions and £1.00 for children.
For more information, call 020 7626 2717 or go to www.themonument.info
