Never
has such a great piece of architecture been given
such a bland name. Called simply "The Monument"
it commemorates the Great Fire of 1666. At 202 feet,
it is the tallest freestanding stone column in the
world. 202 feet is also the distance to the suspected
source of the fire that destroyed the city -- a bakery
on Pudding Lane. At the base is a marvelous depiction
of the fire, and a plaque describing the event. To
get to the top, pay a small fee (£1.00) at the bottom,
then climb the 303 spiral steps to the top. The observation
platform is enclosed in a wire cage which ruins photography.
But the view is wonderful. You can see the BT Tower,
Tower Bridge, and the dome of Saint Paul's.
