MONUMENT, THE

column in the City of London, just north of London Bridge, that commemorates the Great Fire of London (1666). It was most likely designed by the physicist and architect Robert Hooke, although some sources credit Sir Christopher Wren. Erected in the 1670s near the site of the fire's origin (on Pudding Lane), it stands 202 feet (61.5 metres) above the pavement. Its viewing platform is accessible via an internal spiral staircase. For further treatment, including a description of the exterior styling and artwork, see The Monument from Encyclopdia Britannica's 2nd edition (177784).