Introduction
Rising 202 feet above the streets of London, the Great Fire of London Monument stands as a testament to the city‘s resilience and regeneration. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, this stunning Doric column commemorates the devastating Great Fire of 1666 and celebrates the rebuilding of the city in its aftermath. Join us as we explore the Monument‘s history, significance, and enduring legacy.
The Great Fire of London: A City in Flames
To fully appreciate the Monument‘s significance, it is essential to understand the historical context of the Great Fire of London. In the 17th century, London was a densely populated city with narrow, winding streets and buildings made primarily of wood. On September 2, 1666, a fire broke out in Thomas Farriner‘s bakery on Pudding Lane, quickly spreading due to strong winds, dry weather, and the city‘s combustible architecture (Hanson, 2002).
Over the course of four days, the fire consumed approximately 13,200 houses, 87 parish churches, The Royal Exchange, Guildhall, and St. Paul‘s Cathedral (Porter, 1994). The devastation was immense, with an estimated 70,000 of the city‘s 80,000 inhabitants left homeless (Tinniswood, 2003). The social, economic, and political impacts of the fire were far-reaching, as the city struggled to rebuild and recover.
The Monument: A Collaboration of Genius
In the aftermath of the Great Fire, it was decided that a permanent memorial should be erected near the site where the fire began. The task of designing the Monument fell to Sir Christopher Wren, the Surveyor General to King Charles II, and his friend and colleague, Dr. Robert Hooke (Hart, 2001).
Wren and Hooke envisioned a Doric column crowned with a gilded bronze urn of flames, symbolizing the Great Fire. The Monument‘s height, 202 feet, was carefully chosen to match the exact distance between its base and the bakery on Pudding Lane where the fire originated (Moore, 2000).
Constructed between 1671 and 1677, the Monument is made of Portland stone and features a cantilevered stone staircase with 311 steps leading to a viewing platform. The building process was not without its challenges, as the desired dimensions of the stone required for the column were difficult to obtain (Jardine, 2003).
A Scientific Instrument and Cultural Icon
In addition to its commemorative purpose, the Monument has also served as a scientific instrument. The Royal Society, of which Wren and Hooke were members, conducted various experiments using the Monument, including studies on gravity and the effects of air resistance on falling objects (Inwood, 2002).
Over the years, the Monument has become a cultural icon, featured in numerous works of art, literature, and popular culture. William Wordsworth, for example, wrote a sonnet entitled "The Monument" in 1820, reflecting on the structure‘s significance and enduring presence in the city (Wordsworth, 1820).
The Monument has also been a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. In 2019, the Monument welcomed 140,692 visitors, a testament to its ongoing appeal (City of London, 2020).
Renovations and Restorations
Throughout its history, the Monument has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its structural integrity and appearance. In 1888, the original stone staircase was replaced with a cast-iron spiral staircase, and the observation deck was enclosed with an iron cage to prevent suicides (Weinreb et al., 2008).
During World War II, the Monument sustained superficial damage from bomb fragments, but fortunately escaped serious harm. In 1954, the Monument underwent a steam-cleaning process to remove the scars left by the bomb fragments (Weinreb et al., 2008).
More recently, in 2007-2009, the Monument underwent a comprehensive £4.5 million refurbishment project. The renovations included repairs to the stone work, installation of new lighting and safety features, and the addition of a 360-degree panoramic camera at the top of the Monument, providing live views of the city (City of London, 2009).
The Monument‘s Enduring Legacy
The Great Fire of London Monument stands as a powerful symbol of the city‘s resilience and ability to rise from the ashes of destruction. Its enduring presence serves as a reminder of the devastating event that reshaped London and the incredible efforts to rebuild in its aftermath.
Today, the Monument continues to attract visitors from around the world, offering a unique perspective on London‘s history and skyline. As a key part of Christopher Wren‘s legacy, which includes 51 churches and the magnificent St. Paul‘s Cathedral, the Monument is an integral part of London‘s identity and architectural heritage.
The lessons learned from the Great Fire, such as the importance of fire safety and urban planning, continue to shape the city‘s development. The Monument serves as a poignant reminder of the past and an inspiration for the future, ensuring that the story of London‘s resilience is passed down through generations.
Conclusion
The Great Fire of London Monument is more than just a commemorative column; it is a symbol of London‘s enduring spirit and a testament to the city‘s ability to overcome adversity. Through its design, history, and cultural significance, the Monument offers a unique lens through which to explore London‘s past, present, and future. As we climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument and gaze out over the city, we are reminded of the incredible story of resilience and regeneration that has shaped London into the vibrant, diverse, and thriving metropolis it is today.
References
City of London. (2009). The Monument: Visitor information. Retrieved from https://www.themonument.info/visitor-information.html
City of London. (2020). The Monument: Visitor numbers. Personal communication.
Hanson, N. (2002). The dreadful judgement: The true story of the Great Fire of London. Doubleday.
Hart, V. (2001). Christopher Wren and the Monument to the Great Fire of London. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, 60(3), 288-307.
Inwood, S. (2002). The man who knew too much: The strange and inventive life of Robert Hooke, 1635-1703. Pan Macmillan.
Jardine, L. (2003). The curious life of Robert Hooke: The man who measured London. Harper Collins.
Moore, T. (2000). The Monument: The story of the Great Fire of London and the Monument that commemorates it. Thames & Hudson.
Porter, S. (1994). The Great Fire of London. History Press.
Tinniswood, A. (2003). By permission of Heaven: The story of the Great Fire of London. Jonathan Cape.
Weinreb, B., Hibbert, C., Keay, J., & Keay, J. (2008). The London encyclopaedia (3rd ed.). Macmillan.
Wordsworth, W. (1820). The Monument. In P. Wayne (Ed.), Wordsworth‘s poems of 1820 (1954). Cornell University Press.
