Journal of Architectural Conservation
Volume 15, Issue 3, November 2009
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
An Investigation of the Verticality of the Monument and the Re-securing of the Flaming Orb
Judy Allen
Paper Summary
At the very top of the 202-ft-high Monument to the Great Fire of London, c. 1677, a substantial armature secures the gilded copper flaming orb down to the Portland stonework of the column. During the 2007–09 Monument major repair contract, the armature was found to be tilting over, crushing stonework and causing concern over the stability of the flaming orb. The general movement of the Monument over the years is discussed here together with the specific movement of the armature and consequent damage to the historic fabric. Reasons for the tilting are offered along with a description of the approach taken to resist further movement until the next inspection of the exterior in about 80 years’ time, the average frequency of scaffolding the Monument.
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Figure 5 Plan and Section through the Stone Dome and Flaming
Orb, looking east. (Julian Harrap Architects)
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Judy Allen
Judy Allen is an Associate at Julian Harrap Architects, historic building specialists, and has been with the practice for 21 years, working as project architect for many Grade I-listed buildings including Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Farnborough wind tunnels, St Clement Eastcheap, Cliveden Estate and Headstone Manor.
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