The Crow Stone - Image 1
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Crowstone London Stone

4.6
·7 reviews·Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

A mysterious ancient limestone block, the London Stone is a historical enigma at the heart of the City of London, sparking centuries of debate.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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The Crow Stone - Image 1

Crowstone London Stone

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A mysterious ancient limestone block, the London Stone is a historical enigma at the heart of the City of London, sparking centuries of debate.

4.6
(7 reviews)

"This weathered lump of limestone sits at number 111 Cannon Street, a piece of London's deep past."

Vertical photo
TIP

Look for the Glass Enclosure

The London Stone is protected behind glass. Keep an eye out for it at 111 Cannon Street. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:

Combine with a City Walk

Best experienced as part of a walk through the historic City of London. :walking:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enigmatic London Stone

The Enigmatic London Stone

111 Cannon Street, City of London

A weathered limestone block, its ancient origins and purpose are shrouded in mystery, sparking centuries of speculation.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the London Stone's Significance

This ancient limestone block, the London Stone, is a historical enigma. While its exact purpose remains debated, it was a significant landmark in medieval London. Visit to connect with the city's deep past.

Location and Accessibility

The London Stone is discreetly housed at 111 Cannon Street. It's easily accessible on foot in the City of London, making it a quick stop for history buffs exploring the area.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Lunchtime
Why
City workers on break
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Best Pier in Britain (with @zoë bread included free) #southendpier #southendonsea #PlacesToVisit #britishhumour #ukcomedy #satire #LearnOnTikTok
@philc84
116.9K likes • 1M views

Look for the Glass Enclosure

The London Stone is protected behind glass. Keep an eye out for it at 111 Cannon Street. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:

Combine with a City Walk

Best experienced as part of a walk through the historic City of London. :walking:

Visiting the weirdest seaside cities in England! I’m in Southend-on-Sea today on the Essex coast! #CapCut #essex #england #seaside #southend #uktravel #citytour
@thathangrycanadian
32.9K likes • 435.7K views
#history #mudlark #londonhistory #londonstone #historyoflondon #foryou #instahistory #londontown #fascinatinglondon
thefoxinlondon
724 likes • 20K views

Research its History

Understand the myths and legends surrounding the stone before you visit for a richer experience. :scroll:

✅ Что нам точно известно о Лондонском Камне? Ну, с уверенностью можно сказать, что камень этот – глыба известняка размером 53 на 43 см. А вот с какой целью его сделали, для чего и почему лондонцы вот уже по крайней мере полторы тыщи лет с ним нянчатся никому не известно. Что только про него не выдумывали: был он и алтарем друидов, и римским дистанционным столбом, и местом коронации, и даже маги...
london_inn
136 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Look for the Glass Enclosure

The London Stone is protected behind glass. Keep an eye out for it at 111 Cannon Street. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:

Combine with a City Walk

Best experienced as part of a walk through the historic City of London. :walking:

Research its History

Understand the myths and legends surrounding the stone before you visit for a richer experience. :scroll:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the London Stone to be a historically intriguing landmark, though its unassuming appearance can be surprising. While some appreciate its enigmatic nature and connection to London's past, others find it to be a rather plain stone with limited immediate appeal. It's best viewed as a quick historical marker rather than a major attraction.

"Stoney but not Crowey. A nice landmark to walk to, or to swim round although when I went to swim round the water was shallow enough to walk. A bit seaweedy.

There's also the London Stone the other side of the river, need to find out if the plaque says the same thing!"

Susannah Hughes

"Important landmark, it's relevance often missed I guess."

Anthony Hull

"The beach was rough and the water was cold"

Mudasir Amin

What People Like

Historical enigma
Connection to ancient London
Free to view

What People Dislike

Unassuming appearance
Limited immediate appeal

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The London Stone is located at 111 Cannon Street in the City of London. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several Tube stations nearby, including Cannon Street and Monument. Walking between destinations in the City is also a great way to discover hidden gems like this. Instagram

Parking in the City of London can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport to reach the London Stone. Reddit

Yes, the London Stone is visible from the street, housed behind a protective glass enclosure at 111 Cannon Street. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the London Stone is free. It's a public landmark accessible from the street. Instagram

As it's a public landmark visible from the street, there are no specific opening hours. You can view it at any time. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to see the London Stone. It's a historical marker accessible to the public. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The London Stone is an ancient, weathered limestone block believed to have been a significant landmark in Roman and medieval London. Its exact purpose is still debated by historians. Instagram+1

Its importance lies in its historical mystery and its potential connection to the origins of London. It was considered a central point and landmark for centuries. Instagram+1

You'll see a large, rough stone block housed within a protective glass case on the exterior of a building at 111 Cannon Street. Instagram

Seeing the London Stone itself is a quick affair, likely only a few minutes. However, it's best enjoyed as part of a longer walk exploring the historic City of London. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed of the London Stone from the public street. Instagram

Weekday mornings often have fewer people, which can make for better photos. Consider the lighting conditions as well. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by London's deep past, the London Stone is a must-see. Its enigmatic nature and potential Roman origins offer a unique glimpse into the city's earliest days. Take time to research the various theories surrounding its purpose before your visit to fully appreciate its historical weight. Instagram+1

Consider combining your visit with a walk through the historic City of London, exploring other ancient sites and Roman remnants. This will provide a broader context for understanding the stone's place in the city's long history. Instagram

Day-Trippers from London

If you're looking for a quick, historically significant stop during a day out in London, the London Stone is ideal. It's easily accessible and requires minimal time to view, making it a perfect addition to a busy itinerary. Instagram

Located in the heart of the City of London, it can be easily incorporated into a walking tour of the financial district, allowing you to see a piece of ancient history amidst the modern skyscrapers. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enduring Mystery of the London Stone

The London Stone is a fragment of oolitic limestone, roughly 53 cm by 43 cm, that has captivated historians and Londoners for centuries. Its exact origins and purpose remain a subject of intense speculation. Some theories suggest it was a Roman milestone, marking the center of Roman Britain, while others propose it was a sacred object or a meeting point for ancient Britons. Its presence has been documented since at least the 12th century, and it was once a prominent landmark before being moved and encased for preservation. Instagram+1

During the Middle Ages, the London Stone was considered a focal point of the city. It was believed to be the civic heart of London, and important pronouncements were sometimes made near it. Its significance waned over time as the city grew and evolved, leading to its relocation and eventual enclosure. The stone's enduring mystery is precisely what draws visitors today, offering a tangible link to London's deep and often enigmatic past. Instagram

Today, the London Stone resides at 111 Cannon Street, protected behind glass. While it may appear as just a weathered rock to the uninitiated, for those who appreciate history, it represents a profound connection to the city's ancient foundations. It’s a reminder that beneath the modern metropolis lies a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be uncovered. Instagram+1

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