The london stone
The london stone
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The area
Neighborhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighborhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighborhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- Cannon St • 1 min walk
- Bank • 3 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,882 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.0
22 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
5
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
5
futtock21
London, UK17,254 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Why certain objects are venerated and whose existence is recorded down the centuries is something of a mystery. This large and frankly rather shapeless piece of rock is a case in point. It is encased in a stone box at 111 Cannon Street and was temporarily removed to the Museum of London in 2018 having first been recorded in 1598. But as what? Merely as ‘the London Stone’. There is speculation it may have once formed part of a building in Roman London. Another school of thought holds its origins to be medieval. But without more its preservation and survival seems singularly pointless. It’s not said to be part of the nearby Mithraeum for example. It is not associated with any historical event, for example, being used in a siege or attached to a captured Queen Boadicea. At best it’s all rather Pythonsque. A stone for stone’s sake. Might have been used in a stoning. Or perhaps not.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
London W2
1 contribution
Nov 2018 • Couples
After a small holiday, the London stone has now returned to 111 Cannon street and sits inside a nice glass enclosure. Don't forgot to stop by and have a look at this truly historic stone. This is the same stone that Jack Cade marched into the city in a rebellion against King Henry the VII and proclaimed himself lord of the city. It is viewable from the pavement (Sidewalk) and no longer has the bars in front so you can get a good picture of it..
Written December 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rubaiyat E S
Faro, Portugal2,140 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
No one can blame if you walk right past the London Stone. The stone is less than two feet and encased behind a white iron grate on Cannon Street, what is not notable. However, this rock is much more than a rock and it is thought to have been a Roman milestone, the one from which all distances in Britain were measured.
The stone has withstood two World Wars, the Great Fire of London, and countless changings of London. If you will go to Canon street then take a look at the stone.
The stone has withstood two World Wars, the Great Fire of London, and countless changings of London. If you will go to Canon street then take a look at the stone.
Written February 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Codnor Traveller
Codnor, UK214 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Sat in a specially made glass casing, embedded in a wall on Cannon Street in The City of London's Dowgate Ward, you will find quite a nondescript block of Limestone.
This is no ordinary piece of stone though - this is The London Stone!
Nobody really seems to know what the London Stone is however, save for the fact that it is a piece of Limestone.
What we do know however is that this Stone has huge historical significance to London, even if we're not entirely sure why. We Know it has held a special historical significance since at least 1100, and experts have also established that the stone we can all see today (for free, I might add) is the top part of what was once a much larger object.
There is speculation that it harks back to Roman Londinium, and may have been an object of veneration, however there is no evidence to support this theory, whilst there is plenty of evidence of Roman veneration/worship elsewhere in the City - such as the London Mithraeum.
It has been suggested that Medieval Kings, upon their Coronation, struck their swords upon the stone as a sign of submission to the city, however we only have a 20th Century American archaeologists word on this - there is no evidence to support this, other than in 1450 when rebel leader Jack Cade is said to have struck his sword upon the stone and declared himself "Lord of this City" - perhaps in mockery of the medieval Kings, one of whom, Henry VI, he was rebelling against. It's merely conjecture on my part though.
If History is your thing (and why wouldn't it be?) then I urge you to get yourself over to 111 Cannon Street (EC4N 5AR if you're using Google maps) and just stand in this stones presence. Whatever it's true story, it is undeniably a true piece of London history.
This is no ordinary piece of stone though - this is The London Stone!
Nobody really seems to know what the London Stone is however, save for the fact that it is a piece of Limestone.
What we do know however is that this Stone has huge historical significance to London, even if we're not entirely sure why. We Know it has held a special historical significance since at least 1100, and experts have also established that the stone we can all see today (for free, I might add) is the top part of what was once a much larger object.
There is speculation that it harks back to Roman Londinium, and may have been an object of veneration, however there is no evidence to support this theory, whilst there is plenty of evidence of Roman veneration/worship elsewhere in the City - such as the London Mithraeum.
It has been suggested that Medieval Kings, upon their Coronation, struck their swords upon the stone as a sign of submission to the city, however we only have a 20th Century American archaeologists word on this - there is no evidence to support this, other than in 1450 when rebel leader Jack Cade is said to have struck his sword upon the stone and declared himself "Lord of this City" - perhaps in mockery of the medieval Kings, one of whom, Henry VI, he was rebelling against. It's merely conjecture on my part though.
If History is your thing (and why wouldn't it be?) then I urge you to get yourself over to 111 Cannon Street (EC4N 5AR if you're using Google maps) and just stand in this stones presence. Whatever it's true story, it is undeniably a true piece of London history.
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liverpool1023
London, UK1,256 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
In the 1990’s my train arrived in Cannon Street and I would pass the location of the London Stone. It was housed in it’s own little back-lit under-dwelling in the rather dilapidated Bank of China building. Sitting behind a heavy metal grill it was easy to pass by without noticing. Closer examination would show a lumpen greyish chunk of limestone with few obvious features.
Despite apprearances, the London Stone is an amazing piece of urban flotsome that has bounced and floated along on the tide of London history. It has been a witness to a Peasants Revolt, has been name checked by Shakespeare, roasted in the Great Fire of London and bombed by the Luftwaffe. The edges have been progressively knocked-off over successive generations and it is now in much reduced circumstances. It is currently receiving some much needed TLC in the Museum of London after the wrecking ball had done for it’s previous home.
This item of mysterious origin has been subject to a good deal of cryptohistorical nonsense and pseaudoarchilogical garbage by writers of dubious merit. Theories as to its origin and purpose have included that it was a druidic alter, excalibur’s resting place and the remains of the palace of the Roman governor of Britain. The most impressive theory in terms of sheer delusion of granduer is that Brutus, the legendary founder of Britain, brought it from the sack of Troy.
Some of these fanciful projections started as early as Elizabethan times, where it was reputed to have been set up by the order of King Lud the rebuilder of London or was the centre of the City. Prior to that is was likely to be a local landmark and frequent traffic hazard standing towards the southern edge of medieval candlewick (Cannon) Street.
It certaintly seems to have become a visitor attraction in its own right by early seventeenth century. It was listed in a poem by Samuel Rowlands as one of the “sights” of London (perhaps the first time the word has been used in that sense) and shown to “an honest country foole” on his visit to town.
Future honest country fools can now see the Stone is in a new home on Cannon Street. Unfortunately it is somewhat obscured sitting in the dark. I’ve attached some photos from last year where it could be clearly seen during it sojourn at the Museum of London.
Despite apprearances, the London Stone is an amazing piece of urban flotsome that has bounced and floated along on the tide of London history. It has been a witness to a Peasants Revolt, has been name checked by Shakespeare, roasted in the Great Fire of London and bombed by the Luftwaffe. The edges have been progressively knocked-off over successive generations and it is now in much reduced circumstances. It is currently receiving some much needed TLC in the Museum of London after the wrecking ball had done for it’s previous home.
This item of mysterious origin has been subject to a good deal of cryptohistorical nonsense and pseaudoarchilogical garbage by writers of dubious merit. Theories as to its origin and purpose have included that it was a druidic alter, excalibur’s resting place and the remains of the palace of the Roman governor of Britain. The most impressive theory in terms of sheer delusion of granduer is that Brutus, the legendary founder of Britain, brought it from the sack of Troy.
Some of these fanciful projections started as early as Elizabethan times, where it was reputed to have been set up by the order of King Lud the rebuilder of London or was the centre of the City. Prior to that is was likely to be a local landmark and frequent traffic hazard standing towards the southern edge of medieval candlewick (Cannon) Street.
It certaintly seems to have become a visitor attraction in its own right by early seventeenth century. It was listed in a poem by Samuel Rowlands as one of the “sights” of London (perhaps the first time the word has been used in that sense) and shown to “an honest country foole” on his visit to town.
Future honest country fools can now see the Stone is in a new home on Cannon Street. Unfortunately it is somewhat obscured sitting in the dark. I’ve attached some photos from last year where it could be clearly seen during it sojourn at the Museum of London.
Written July 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,189 contributions
Oct 2021
A block of limestone with no concrete evidence of it’s provenance. Only saw this as we were walking to Bank Underground anyway. Definitely don’t go out of the way to see this.
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian H
Chatham, UK80 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
The building that the London stone was housed in is being redeveloped , it's safely stored away and will return once the new building is finished
Written October 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raoulhood
Towson, MD2,877 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
It is a special sign for London (Londinium) and just think it is a clear link Rome and the Romans in the land Britannica.
I believe that its relevance is snubbed.
It happened to me:
- I go to Liverpool station,
- I go to Liverpool Street Travel Information Centre to ask infos,
- They have to help with Internet and show me where to go.
- The clerk at the end he thanks also on behalf of three colleagues and says verbatim: "I'm here for 18 years and no one ever asked for this information. Thank you because today we learned something" !
The archaeological find is neglected!
I believe that its relevance is snubbed.
It happened to me:
- I go to Liverpool station,
- I go to Liverpool Street Travel Information Centre to ask infos,
- They have to help with Internet and show me where to go.
- The clerk at the end he thanks also on behalf of three colleagues and says verbatim: "I'm here for 18 years and no one ever asked for this information. Thank you because today we learned something" !
The archaeological find is neglected!
Written July 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK28,538 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Wednesday 2nd October, while walking along Cannon Street we spotted this ancient piece of Stone. It is located on the north side of Cannon Street, opposite Cannon Street station. It stands in stone casing incorporated int the of wall of 111 Cannon Street.
This part of the stone is a smaller remnant of a once much larger piece . The surviving piece of Oolitic Limestone measures roughly 53 centimetres (21 inches) wide 43 centimetres (17 inches) and 30 centimetres (12 inches) front to back.
It sits in a Portland Stone casing and is visible through an oval like shaped aperture and protected by glass/perspex. Carved into the stone above it are two words, London Stone.
Beside the stone and it's housing, there is a plaque, with historical information about the Stone, which reads:-
"The remaining part of the London Stone, which once stood in the middle of Cannon Street, slightly west of it's current position. It's original purpose unknown, although it could be Roman and related to Roman buildings, that lay to the South. It was already called London Stone in the 12th century and became an important City Landmark. In 1450 Jade Cade, leader of the rebellion against the corrupt government of Henry VI, struck it with his sword and claimed to be Lord of London.
In 1742, London Stone was moved to the north side of the street and eventually set in an alcove in the wall of St. Swithin's Church on this site.
The Church was bombed in the Second World War and demolished in 1961-62, and London Stone was incorporated into a new office building on the site. Following redevelopment it was placed in it's present location in 2018."
This part of the stone is a smaller remnant of a once much larger piece . The surviving piece of Oolitic Limestone measures roughly 53 centimetres (21 inches) wide 43 centimetres (17 inches) and 30 centimetres (12 inches) front to back.
It sits in a Portland Stone casing and is visible through an oval like shaped aperture and protected by glass/perspex. Carved into the stone above it are two words, London Stone.
Beside the stone and it's housing, there is a plaque, with historical information about the Stone, which reads:-
"The remaining part of the London Stone, which once stood in the middle of Cannon Street, slightly west of it's current position. It's original purpose unknown, although it could be Roman and related to Roman buildings, that lay to the South. It was already called London Stone in the 12th century and became an important City Landmark. In 1450 Jade Cade, leader of the rebellion against the corrupt government of Henry VI, struck it with his sword and claimed to be Lord of London.
In 1742, London Stone was moved to the north side of the street and eventually set in an alcove in the wall of St. Swithin's Church on this site.
The Church was bombed in the Second World War and demolished in 1961-62, and London Stone was incorporated into a new office building on the site. Following redevelopment it was placed in it's present location in 2018."
Written October 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly O
Monterey, CA35 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
We have to trust that the rock is what they say it is. It definitely looks ancient and beaten by swords. However, it’s not so big...
Written December 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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