The Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke to commemorate the Great Fire of London was built in 1677 and has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years.
Standing 202 feet high, the Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. Its height is equal to the distance between the base of the column and the baker's house in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of London is reputed to have begun.
The simple Doric column is made from Portland stone, and topped by a flaming urn of copper symbolising the Great Fire. Today, visitors climb 311 steps to the top of this historic landmark to take in spectacular views of London. As recognition of such achievement each visitor to the Monument receives a certificate as proof of their athletic abilities.
Known by its chilling name since at least the 17th century, the Bloody Tower was where some of the Tower's most famous prisoners were housed. The ground floor is today furnished to look as it might have done during Sir Walter Ralegh's 13-year imprisonment here. It may have been the last lodging of the 'Princes in the Tower' before their mysterious disappearance in the 15th century, and an exhibition on the top floor explores the evidence, as well as a documented 17th century case of murder by poisoning. The ground floor is furnished to look as it might have done during Sir Walter Ralegh's 13-year imprisonment here.
Built in the early 1220s, the Bloody Tower is a gatehouse which controlled the main river entrance to the castle until the Tower's defences were extended for Edward I. The vaulted gate passage beneath the tower was originally defended by two gates and two portcullises - one of the portcullises survives today. The chamber over the gateway was a comfortable lodging, which by the 16th century was being used to house some of the Tower's most important prisoners. Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, was lodged in the Bloody Tower during the reign of Queen Mary I (1553-8), while Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk was held here before his execution by Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). The aristocratic poisoners of prisoner Sir Thomas Overbury were also kept here as punishment for their crimes. The Bloody Tower was home to Sir Walter Ralegh during his 13-year imprisonment at the Tower of London for plotting against King James I. The ground floor is furnished as Ralegh's study.