The City of London
The Square Mile is not just about business and finance. Within it are galleries, theatres, museums and concert halls. There is a wide range of sporting activity, a public leisure centre and the world-famous Barbican Centre. The City has a long and fascinating history - the City of London itself is over 800 years old and, while fulfilling its role as a modern local authority, it respects and preserves its rich historical legacy. The ancient civic offices of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs are still an integral part of the modern City of London, and traditions such as the Lord Mayor's Show and the Freedom of the City bring London's history to life.
The most famous attraction in The City is St Paul’s Cathedral. The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Children can test the acoustics in the Whispering Gallery and make their way to the top of the dome for spectacular views of London. Admission charge.
St Paul's Cathedral , St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
The Museum of London, located approximately 10 minutes walk north of St Paul’s Cathedral, is the world’s largest urban history museum and looks after the largest archaeological archive in Europe – but, more importantly – it’s fun and FREE! Its passion for London is infectious and one visit will not be enough.
London's Burning: The Great Fire of London 1666 - open until Winter 2009
Explore the Great Fire, the most famous disaster in London's history, and find out how it shaped the city we know today.
Hear the real stories of how Londoners lived through this tragedy. What was it like to live through the terror of having your home and livelihood destroyed? How did people cope? And why did a fire which claimed less than a dozen lives end up changing London’s cityscape forever?
Be transported back to September 1666, with interactive displays and a wide range of objects, including archaeological finds and 17th century fire-fighting equipment and see the Great Fire through the eyes of those who survived it.
Museum of London,
London Wall,
London EC2Y 5HN
Nearest stations: St Paul's and Barbican
Climb the spiral staircase of 311 steps of the Monument, which commemorates the Great fire of London and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city in all directions, as well as a certificate of achievement. The Monument is located near to the northern end of London Bridge close to Pudding Lane, where the fire began in 1666. The Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, is topped by a flaming urn of copper symbolising the Great Fire. Admission charge.
The Monument, Pudding Lane, London EC3
Nearest station: Monument
The Guildhall, off Cheapside near Bank, has been the centre of City government since the Middle Ages. The current building is believed to be on the site of an earlier Guildhall, and has the largest mediaeval crypts in London. It has been the setting for famous state trials, including that of Lady Jane Grey in 1553. Guildhall is open free of charge to the public when it is not being used for events. To check opening times, call 020 7606 3030.
The Guildhall, off Cheapside, London EC2P 2EJ
Nearest station: Bank
The City of London provides a visitor information centre at St Paul's Churchyard. Tel 020 7332 1456.
Useful websites:
www.museumoflondon.org.uk
www.stpauls.co.uk www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/leisure_heritage
