Monuments and Buildings in the City of London

Central Criminal Court

The Old Bailey, London's Central Criminal Court, takes its name from its street. The building occupies the site of the old Newgate Prison, where London's most infamous criminals have been brought to book. The present Portland-stone building dates from 1907. Above the building is the golden statue of justice holding a sword and scales. The grand entrance has figures of Truth, justice and the Recording Angel above it. Its interior is enriched by murals and statues.

Custom House

The early 19th century headquarters of Collector of Customs for the Port of London. The current building replaced an earlier one by Thomas Ripley, which burnt down 1814. Robert Smirke built the notable neoclassical facade extending 1190 ft, and the Long Room where ships' masters and agents registered cargoes. Currently used by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Great Fire of London Trail

Monument to the Great Fire of London

The Monument, designed by Wren, commemorates the Great Fire of London that started in 1666, in nearby Pudding Lane. Panels around the base of the monument record the story of the fire. Visitors to the monument can also climb the 311 steps to the viewing platform.

Opening times: all year, daily, from 9.30am - Admission Charge
Location: Monument St, London, EC3R 8AH - Tel: 020 7626 2717 - Website

Giltspur Street

A gilded statue, the "Golden Boy of Pye", is set in a building on the corner of Cock Lane and Giltspur Street. This marks the furthest point where the Great Fire of London reached.

Inner Temple Gateway - Prince Henry's Room

The Inner Temple Gateway is located at 17 Fleet Street. Originally a 17th-c. tavern, it is one of the few buildings to survive the Great Fire of London. Prince Henry's Room, located on the first floor has original Tudor/Jacobean panels with ornate strap work and a fine Jacobean ceiling with a central decoration of Prince of Wales feathers (not currently open to the public). 

Fleet Street

Once the hub of Britain's newspaper industry, up until the 1980s. The former newspaper offices of the Daily Express, Daily Telegraph and Reuters Press Association still stand.

Royal Exchange

Present building opened in 1844 after 300 years of trading on the site. This classical building, designed by Tite, has a Turkish pavement and wall scenes of London's history. The inner courtyard is surrounded by up-market jewellery shops and restaurants. Website

St Bride Foundation

Historical printing works of letterpress printing and lithography, located just off Fleet Street. Original types, presses, blocks and plates feature among equipment still in use in the print workshops. Extensive resources, teaching facilities and library available for higher education students, academics, designers, writers, print enthusiasts and researchers.

Also home to the Bridewell Theatre and Bar

Temple Bar

A bronze dragon mounted on a tall pedestal, by Charles Bell Birch, marks the boundaries of the cities of London and Westminster. Once a major entrance into the City of London. A bar (or gateway barrier) stood here between 1301 to 1672, to regulate trade in and out of the city.

Temple of Mithras

The foundations of a Roman temple dedicated to the Persian god, Mithras, dating from the 2nd century. The site was discovered and excavated in 1954, when a number of marble busts and statues, including the head of Mithras were found.
Currently located in Temple Court, Queen Victoria Street, London EC4, for public viewing but due to be re sited. For more details see the Museum of London.

Mansion House

The official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. Built in a Palladian-style by George Dance the Elder, 1759 to 1753. It contains a suite of magnificent 18th-c staterooms, with marble and stone fireplaces, paintings and tapestries. Weekly public tours available by appointment, see website for details.

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