London Stone (remaining part) is a weathered fragment of ancient limestone displayed in a glazed street-level case at 111 Cannon Street, in the City of London financial district, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Recorded on this site by the 12th century and possibly far older, it is one of London’s most debated antiquities. Visitors come to see the physical remnant behind stories of Roman London, medieval civic life and the legend that the city will endure while the Stone remains.
What to Expect at London Stone (remaining part)
This is a very short, self-guided historic stop rather than a museum. The surviving block, an irregular piece of oolitic limestone, sits behind glass in the frontage of 111 Cannon Street. Its sheltered display was installed when the former building was redeveloped, replacing the small protective enclosure that had long stood on Cannon Street. View it from the pavement, examine its worn pale surface and read the interpretation on the case before continuing through the City.
The Stone’s confirmed history is compelling even without accepting its legends. It is documented in medieval records as “London Stone” and stood on Cannon Street, an important route through the old City. Antiquaries and later writers proposed that it was a Roman milestone, a civic marker, an altar or part of a major Roman structure, but none of these origins has been proved. Its later reputation was strengthened by the tale of Brutus of Troy and by Jack Cade’s 1450 proclamation at London Stone in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 2. The display is best understood as an object of continuing research, not a solved archaeological exhibit.
- The original fragment: See the surviving limestone block itself, rather than a replica or a museum reconstruction.
- Glazed pavement-side case: The current protective enclosure makes the Stone visible from Cannon Street at any time of day.
- Medieval documentary trail: Consider the Stone’s recorded presence from the 12th century onward on this historic east–west route.
- Roman London context: Pair the stop with the nearby Monument and the City’s archaeological sites while keeping the Stone’s Roman origin as an unproven theory.
- Literary and political associations: Connect the site with Jack Cade’s famous claim in Shakespeare and centuries of London folklore.
London Stone (remaining part) at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 Cannon Street, London EC4N 5AR, United Kingdom |
| Neighborhood / Area | City of London, between Cannon Street and Monument |
| Operating Hours | Visible from the public pavement 24 hours daily |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Free public viewing; no ticket or reservation required |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Cannon Street station is about 3 minutes on foot; Monument and Bank stations are also close. Use paid public car parks only if driving. |
| Official Website / Phone | londonstone.org.uk; no dedicated visitor phone is published |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Go in daylight if you want the clearest view through the glass and time for photographs; weekday mornings are generally calmer before City office traffic builds. There are no timed entries, guided tours or tickets to book. Cannon Street station, served by National Rail and the District and Circle Underground lines, is the most straightforward arrival point. Monument station is roughly a five-minute walk via King William Street, while Bank station adds Central, Northern, Waterloo & City and DLR connections. Driving is inconvenient in the congested central zone, so public transport is the practical choice.
The Stone is viewed outdoors from a level public pavement, so wheelchair users and visitors with strollers can approach without steps; however, Cannon Street is busy, the viewing area is limited, and there are no dedicated toilets, seating or visitor facilities at the display. Combine it with the Monument to the Great Fire of London, about five minutes away, or walk 10 to 15 minutes to London Bridge and Borough Market. For a compact City walk, add the medieval church of St Mary-le-Bow and its Bow Lane cafés, both within around 10 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is London Stone (remaining part) open, and when is best to visit?
The glass-protected display can be seen from the street 24 hours a day. Visit during daylight for better visibility and photographs, ideally before the weekday office rush or on a quieter weekend morning.
Do I need tickets or a reservation for London Stone?
No. Viewing the Stone from Cannon Street is free, and there is no admission desk, timed ticket or reservation system. The official history resource is available at londonstone.org.uk.
How much time should I allow for a visit?
Allow 10 to 20 minutes to view the Stone and read its interpretation. Plan a longer City walk if pairing it with the Monument, Bank, London Bridge or nearby churches.
Is London Stone suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Yes, as a brief free outdoor stop. The case is reached from the pavement without steps, but families should supervise children beside traffic and wheelchair users should allow for crowded, narrow pedestrian space at peak commuter times.
When planning your London travel guide or browsing verified attractions in London, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Street, The British Museum, Claridge's, and London Bridge (0.4 km away).
