The London Stone

An object of some legend and much mystery, the London Stone is one of the most ancient objects associated with London as a city.  Thought perhaps to be a distance marker for a Roman road for the ancient settlement of Londinium, or even the place from which all distances in Britannia were measured, the greenish rock, shaped like a Flintstones toaster, sits almost unnoticed in the front wall of 105 Cannon Street (I think it’s a bank). 

There is a small plaque, an iron grating, and behind a piece of glass, the Stone, illuminated and with a mirror behind it.  The inscription on the plaque reads:  “This is a fragment of the original piece of limestone once securely fixed in the ground now fronting Cannon Street Station.  Removed in 1742 to the north side of the street, in 1798 it was built into the south wall of the Church of St, Swithun London Stone which stood here until demolished in 1962.  Its origin and purpose are unknown but in 1188 there was a reference to Henry, son of Eylwin de Londonstane, subsequently Lord Mayor of London.” 

It is a curiously inconspicuous presentation for a city that otherwise celebrates its past with triumphal flair.  Handicap accessible.  Allow for 3 – 4 minutes.  There is no gift shop.