LONDON DRAGONS 4 - The Monument and Leadenhall Market

THE MONUMENT

The continued search for the dragons of London, takes me this week to The Monument and Leadenhall Market. Let’s start our journey at The Monument. The Monument stands at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill in the City of London. This impressive pillar was built between 1671 and 1677, to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the City.

THE MONUMENT - 61 metres high (202 feet)

THE DRAGONS SIT AT THE BASE OF THE PILLER, GUARDING THE MONUMENT

The fire began in the house of a baker, in Pudding Lane, on Sunday 2nd September, 1666 and finally extinguished on Wednesday 5th September, after destroying a greater part of the City. Surprisingly, there was very little loss of life, but the fire brought all activity to a halt, having consumed or severely damaged thousands of houses, hundreds of streets, the City's gates, public buildings, churches and St. Paul's Cathedral. The only buildings to survive, in part, were those built of stone, like St. Paul's and the Guildhall.

THE FLAMES EMERGING FROM THE URN, SYMBOLISING THE FIRE

As part of the rebuilding of the City, it was decided to erect a permanent memorial of the Great Fire, near the place where it began. Sir Christopher Wren, Surveyor General to King Charles II and the architect of St. Paul's Cathedral, and his friend and colleague, Dr Robert Hooke, provided a design for a colossal Doric column, styled in the antique tradition. They drew up plans for a column containing a cantilevered stone staircase of 311 steps which would lead to a viewing platform. This was surmounted by a drum and a copper urn, from which flames emerged, symbolising the Great Fire. The Monument, as it came to be called, is 61 metres high (202 feet) - the exact distance between it and the site in Pudding Lane where the fire began.

The column was completed in 1677, and in accordance with Wren's original intention, was at first used as a place for certain experiments of the Royal Society, but vibrations caused by ceaseless traffic, proved too great for the success of these experiments and they were discontinued; thereafter the Monument became a place of historic interest, unique of its kind, providing visitors with an opportunity to look across London, in all directions, from a height of about 160 feet, being the level of the public gallery.

The monument is open daily. Visit on a nice sunny day when I took these pictures. To walk the 311 steps it will cost you: Adults £3.00, Concessions: £2.00 Child: £1.50.

THERE IS SOME GREAT RELIEF WORK ON THE MONUMENT, TO LOOK AT AS WELL.

THESE TWO DRAGONS LOOK LIKE THEY ARE ASLEEP

LEADENHALL MARKET

If your not too tired after walking to the top of The Monument. Continue walking North and keeping to the right and you will find yourself on Gracechurch Street. This ten minute walk will lead you Leadenhall Market. Like Holborn Viaduct, you will find a whole bunch of Dragons. But with most of these beasts you have to look upwards in your search.

ONE OF THE SEVERAL ENTRANCES INTO THE MARKET

Going right back to the 1st Century there is evidence of a basilica (law courts) and forum (market place) built on where Leadenhall Market stands today. After Romans left, much of London was left in ruins and little is known of its history throughout the Dark Ages. 

It is not until 1309 where the Manor of Leadenhall is first listed, as belonging to Sir Hugh Neville. By 1321, the area around Leadenhall manor is a known meeting place for poulterers. They are joined, in 1397 by cheesemongers. 

In 1411 the site is acquired by Richard 'Dick' Whittington, the mayor of London. The site grows in importance as a granary and a chapel are built to service those coming to the market. 

THE DRAGONS OF LEADENHALL, LOOK LIKE THEY ARE HOLDING THE ROOF UP.

In 1463, the beam for the tronage and weighing of wool is fixed at Leadenhall market, signifying its importance as a centre for commerce. In 1488 it is decided that leather is sold only from Leadenhall Market. 

In 1622, cutlery is made available only from Leadenhall Market. 

The Great Fire of 1666 destroys much of the city of London, including parts of the market. When it is rebuilt not long after, it becomes a covered structure for the first time and is divided into the Beef Market, the Green Yard and the Herb Market.

The building is knocked down again in 1881 and redesigned by Sir Horace Jones (architect of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets). It is very interesting that Sir Horace Jones also has very similar dragons at the main market in Smithfield (see previous blog City of London Dragons, Part 2). Wrought iron and glass replace the previous stone structure.

A celebrated character in Leadenhall during the 18th century was 'Old Tom', a goose which managed to escape execution even though it is recorded that 34,000 geese were slaughtered there in two days. He became a great favourite in the market and was fed at the local inns. After his death in 1835 at the age of 38, he lay in state in the market and was buried there. In 1991, Leadenhall Market was extensively restored. Hollywood noticed the charms of Leadenhall, in 2001, when it is used as Diagon Alley, in the film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

 Sourses
http://www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk/
http://www.themonument.info/
http://www.jimbatty.com/articles/dragonphotos.html