Quick Visit Attractions: The Quick-Flash London Stone of Cannon Street During Lunch Hours
Tucked away in a nook opposite Cannon Street station, you'd find London's beating heart. Not the rhythmic pulse one might expect, but a fragment of limestone snuggled into the wall of an office block.
This humble stone holds an extraordinary power, a relic from Rutland with a whispering heartbeat. Passersby, fearful of its majesty, shun even a glance, let alone a proximity.
The stone, however, has stood resilient even when carts collided into it, leaving the wheels shattered while the stone remained untouched, as written by historian John Stow in 1598 – a testament to its strength.
The stone's origin is shrouded in mystery, with many theories swirling around. Some believe it was a talisman brought by mythical Brutus, the founder of Britain, to ensure London's continuous prosperity. Others paint a darker picture, whispering about druidic sacrifices and human gore on the London Stone, as penned by William Blake.
Centuries of folklore have claimed the stone as the centerpiece of ancient stone circles or even a killing field on the northern bank of the Thames. But these stories lack solid evidence. Is it a Roman milemarker or part of a gate outside a prominent official's house? These possibilities hold more weight in historical texts.
One fact remains undisputed – the London Stone has been a beacon of power and a symbol of London's authority. Shakespeare's Jack Cade, a Kentish rebel, once declared his rebellion against Henry VI while perched on the stone.
But the story that clings to the London Stone like ivy is that it is vital for London's stability and prosperity. The old adage goes, "So long as the stone of Brutus is safe, so long shall London flourish." Yet, this chant is a product of the 19th century, originating from the imaginative mind of Richard Williams Morgan, a Welsh nationalist preacher.
The phrase mirrors an ancient Welsh adage, used by Welsh nationalists to claim their role as "true Britons." Over time, this mantra was co-opted by various London writers, unaware of its nationalist undertones. In a peculiar twist, the London Stone – a symbol of English power – has, ironically, become a symbol of resistance to English imperial hubris.
Take a turn, and you'll find more evidence of Welsh resistance in the heart of London. In a quaint park, the memorial of Catrin Glyndŵr stands. Daughter of Wales' greatest freedom fighter Owain Glyndŵr, she sealed an alliance between rebellious English lords and the Welsh rebels. Her tale of exile and longing, etched on her monument in both English and Welsh, serves as a silent song of resistance.
In the midst of London's bustling streets, the medieval London Stone, a relic of home-and-garden days, resonates with a lifestyle steeped in ancient folklore. Despite its small size, this humble stone, found tucked away opposite Cannon Street station, symbolizes a beacon of power and a testament to the city's resilient history.
