The Ludicrous London Stone: Is This the Best We Can Do?
I can’t say I wasn’t warned. Russ Willey of this parish told me, quoting Dr Johnson (I think), “worth seeing but not worth going to see”. A fabulous piece of pith, which I can see myself recycling in the future.
Well, Russ was only half right: it’s not even worth seeing. Or, to be precise, you can’t really see it at all.
The London Stone resides in Cannon Street, virtually opposite Cannon Street tube. It is mounted at street level in the wall of a nondescript modern office block. It is housed behind glass and protected by a cream metal decorated grille. It appears to be about the size of a large breeze block, but it’s difficult to say.
Problem 1: The stone is behind glass, which at street level has obvious dusty consequences.
Problem 2: The stone – bizarrely – has glass behind so that it can be viewed by the lucky office workers within. This just multiplies the reflective effect that makes the thing so difficult to see.
Yes, we realise that it’s a dodgy mythological artifact of dubious provenance. But that’s not the point. It does have symbolical significance and if it’s going to be on display, surely we can do a better job than this?
@thelondonstone has, irreverently, been campaigning for more recognition for this artefact for a couple of years now. There were plans to move it to a revamped Cannon Street Station (since originally it was on the other side of the street anyway) but I’ve heard little of that in recent months.
Thank you for drawing attention to the problem though, sir! He’s always contactable via Twitter!
Yes, seen your tweets. I thought your handle was mainly a handy pseudonym. Happy to support your campaign. Keep in touch!
What is the history behind it? Sorry maybe I am thick.
Surely not. Click on the link in paragraph 2.
Maybe someone can be persuaded to steal it 😉
Wasn’t the MoL supposed to be moving it into ‘storage’ while building works took place? Hopefully when its all over, the stone can be reinstated properly.
Sorry for being thick. My wife knew all about it. Is a bit of a daft place to put it.