London's Monument Is Up and Running Again
flickr; The top of The Monument & the exterior viewing deck platform, Rev 13:18 via flickr /Artwork: designslinger]
You gotta love the name, The Monument. This is the only monument I know of that is just
called: The Monument. The column has been standing in the heart of London since 1677, and was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London of 1666. It re-opened to the public yesterday after an 18 month repair and restoration job.
If you've got the wherewithal, you can climb over 300 stairs to the top, go out on to an
exterior platform, and take in some spectacular panoramic views of the city. If you're acrophobic (that's the fear of heights) you do have the option of seeing the view from ground level on live video feeds. And, you don't have to be at The Monument, or even in London, to see the real time views, just click here for the feed.
The Monument was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, he of St. Paul's Cathedral fame, and
stands not far from the origin of the fire in Pudding Lane. The blaze destroyed almost the entire city, and Wren became the lead architect of the city's rebirth.
If you're in London, take the time to find The Monument hidden amongst the tiny, winding
streets of the old city. Here's a link to a Live Search Maps Bird's eye view, so you can see the neighborhood right now if you want. It's the only monument you'll ever visit named simply for what it is, and a climb to the top is worth the exercise. We did it a few years ago, and even though I thought I was going to have a major coronary, it was worth it.
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