London Stone, London
The Bank could be argued as the central hub of the City, or perhaps Guildhall serves as its administrative core. However, London's true focal point, its mystical center, resides in the form of the London Stone. This unassuming block of limestone, believed to have been transported from Bath during Roman times, rests within an iron enclosure and is embedded into the outer wall of 111 Cannon Street, right at the intersection with St. Swithin's Lane. Regardless of your reaction to this peculiar relic, it has endured the test of time, dating back to at least the 1450 Peasants' Revolt when the rebellious Jack Cade, hailing from Kent, struck the stone and declared himself the "Lord of the City". Hitting the stone proved easier than confronting the King, yet both Cade's rebellion and his own rule were swiftly put to an end.
Numerous myths surround the London Stone. Some have referred to it as a "Druidic" marker linked to ancient rituals, while others speculate it may have been a Roman milestone. William Blake even wrote of it, saying, "In offerings of Human life...They groan'd aloud on London Stone..." Another legend suggests that medieval kings would strike the stone to assert their dominion, though, in the case of Jack Cade, this tactic proved less than effective.
One enduring myth insisted that moving the stone would trigger calamity. Nevertheless, the stone has been relocated several times. In 1742, it found a new home beside Saint Swithin's Church. Unfortunately, in 1940, the church fell victim to the Blitz and was replaced by an office building at 111 Cannon Street. In 2016, this building was demolished to make way for another structure, prompting the stone's relocation to the Museum of London. Subsequently, in 2018, with the new building in place, the stone was returned to its former location at 111 Cannon Street. As of now, there are no plans for further relocations, and the mystery surrounding this peculiar relic endures.
Numerous myths surround the London Stone. Some have referred to it as a "Druidic" marker linked to ancient rituals, while others speculate it may have been a Roman milestone. William Blake even wrote of it, saying, "In offerings of Human life...They groan'd aloud on London Stone..." Another legend suggests that medieval kings would strike the stone to assert their dominion, though, in the case of Jack Cade, this tactic proved less than effective.
One enduring myth insisted that moving the stone would trigger calamity. Nevertheless, the stone has been relocated several times. In 1742, it found a new home beside Saint Swithin's Church. Unfortunately, in 1940, the church fell victim to the Blitz and was replaced by an office building at 111 Cannon Street. In 2016, this building was demolished to make way for another structure, prompting the stone's relocation to the Museum of London. Subsequently, in 2018, with the new building in place, the stone was returned to its former location at 111 Cannon Street. As of now, there are no plans for further relocations, and the mystery surrounding this peculiar relic endures.
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London Stone on Map
Sight Name: London Stone
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
Perhaps one of the most famed and influential bands of all time, whose music has transcended generations, The Beatles continues to be a source of entertainment many decades after the group was formed (1960) and split up (1970).
"The Fab Four" 鈥� John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr 鈥� all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
"The Fab Four" 鈥� John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr 鈥� all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
The South Bank is a stretch of the Thames in London that is beautiful to walk through because there are so many iconic and magnificent things to see along the way. A lively and ever-changing area at the heart of London鈥檚 cultural scene, it also has the advantage of offering views across the Thames to some of the most famous buildings anywhere. The Palace of Westminster is the major feature in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour II
The arrival of Harry Potter books, followed by tremendously successful Hollywood adaptation, has made London an even more popular destination now with the Harry Potter fans all over the world. The list of attractions in the city associated with Potter鈥檚 journeys includes both, newly-invented as well as some long-standing locations.
On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
City of London Walking Tour
The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is also colloquially known as the Square Mile, for being just 1.12 sq mi in area. Situated on top of the original Roman center of commerce, called Londinium, established in 43 AD, this neighborhood is the historic and financial heart of the British capital. It has been a major meeting point for international business... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market 鈥� currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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