Cannon Street runs for approximately half a mile through the southern side of the City of London. There are historical records that point at the existence of this street since the medieval era. At that time, the street was known as “Candelwrichstrete”, literally meaning “Candle Maker Street”, in allusion to the street’s most popular trade. Over the years, and as Middle English evolved and became mixed with local dialects, the name of this street changed into Candlewick Street and later into its modern name. The first mention of Cannon Street can be traced back to the seventeenth century, when the street was still populated by candle makers and drapers.
The street’s location near the River Thames and the installation of the railway station towards the end of the nineteenth century made of Cannon Street an important centre for trade and commerce. At the turn of the twentieth century, the street was lined with warehouses and industrial facilities, some of which remain to this day. Nevertheless, today most of these facilities have been converted into modern office buildings, as Cannon Street is a focal point for business activities within the City of London.
Practical Information on Cannon Street: Famous Architecture and Key Businesses
Visitors to Cannon Street may easily overlook a small boulder located on the northern end of the street. For many years, the boulder was in fact a milestone known as the London Stone. It is believed that some of the most important Roman roads departed from this point, and that the milestone was used to calculate distances. Nowadays, the remains of the stone are protected by a fence but are still visible from the street. Another important historical remain is the medieval steel yard found at the bottom of the viaduct near Cannon Street station. Continue reading “Guide to Cannon Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism”