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London Stone

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For other London Stones, see London Stone (riparian)

The London Stone is an ancient stone, that is said to be the place from which the Romans measured all distances in Britannia.

Whether or not this is true, the London Stone was for many hundreds of years recognised as the symbolic authority and heart of the City of London. It was the place that deals were forged, and oaths were sworn. It was also the point from which official proclamations were made. Jack Cade, popular leader of those who rebelled against Henry VI in 1450, observed the tradition by striking his sword against it as a symbol of sovereignty after his forces entered London; on striking the stone, he then felt emboldened to declare himself lord of the city.

The Stone was originally situated in the middle of Cannon Street and was much larger than it is now. Later the Stone was set into the wall of St Swithin's Church which was on this site before it was bombed during the Second World War (the Stone remarkably left unscathed).

As of March 2008, the stone is no longer on display opposite Cannon Street station and has presumably been moved to the Museum of London.

There is also a pub nearby called "The London Stone", which is run by the Eerie Pub Company.

Like the Ravens of the Tower of London, there is a myth that states the Stone's safety is linked to that of the city itself; "So long as the stone of Brutus is safe, so long shall London flourish". This relates to the myth that the stone was part of an altar built by Brutus the Trojan, the legendary founder of London.

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Last updated on Tuesday March 11, 2008 at 12:27:11 PDT (GMT -0700)
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