Whether you’re continuously commuting to the City of London or enjoy the occasional visit, there is so much fascinating history around every corner just yearning to be discovered. One landmark, in particular, is somewhat of an allusive mystery that’s steeped in so much myth and legend, it’s caused an abundance of debate and questioning since its earliest foundations, believed to date back to Roman London or even earlier.
Despite such significance, The London Stone is often overlooked by passers-by, as it’s tucked away behind an unassuming glass case in the heart of Cannon Street. However, this remarkable block of limestone has long been considered the city’s oldest surviving landmark, giving rise to a multitude of fascinating stories and tales that have persisted through the ages.
Ancient Origins and Roman Roots
Despite its mythic reputation, historical records suggest that the London Stone likely dates back to Roman times. The type of limestone it is made from was commonly used in Roman Britain, and some speculate it could’ve served as a central milestone to mark Londinium, the Roman settlement that eventually became the modern London we know and love today.
However, some historians even posit that the London Stone’s significance stretches much further back, with a few even claiming it has prehistoric or Druidic connections. It is one of the more colourful myths and there’s no evidence for it, but in the 19th century, poet William Blake imagined the stone as a site of human sacrifices performed by ancient Druids, though this notion remains purely fictional.
Other myths and legends on the London Stone
In 1450, the stone became entangled in a moment of political rebellion. Jack Cade, the leader of a Kentish uprising against King Henry VI, famously struck the stone with his sword upon entering London, declaring himself as the ‘Lord of the City’. William Shakespeare immortalised this moment in Henry VI, Part II, cementing the stone’s place in popular culture as a symbol of the capital and its governance.
One of the most enduring myths associated with the London Stone is the belief that it is tied to the city’s fate. According to a legend popularised in the 19th century. London will fall if the stone is ever moved or destroyed. This myth links the stone to Brutus of Troy, the mythical founder of Britain. Supposedly, Brutus brought the stone to London as a protective talisman, much like the Palladium of Troy, ya know, if you’re one of those people who thinks about the Roman Empire every day.
The London Stone today and its recent history
Today, the London stone sits quietly in its small glass case, embedded in the wall of a modern office building at 111 Cannon Street. It has been relocated throughout the centuries, including during the Blitz and for construction projects. It even got damaged during the Great Fire of London, with the burnt remnants still visible to this day.
While it may not draw as much attention as other landmarks, the rich blend of fact and fiction has ensured its place as a unique symbol of London’s long and storied past. So, for those with a penchant for the capital’s hidden gems and mysterious enchantment, the London Stone remains one of the most intriguing landmarks you can visit.