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This rough-hewn chunk of Clipsham
limestone is one of the Capital's oldest, but least known,
landmarks.
The unremarkable-looking stone
has no marks except for two grooves on the top. The
origins of the stone are uncertain but it probably dates from
Roman times and may have been used as a milestone.
By 1198 the stone was already
a landmark in London and referred to as 'Lonenstane', and
it originally stood in the ground on the opposite side of
the road but was moved to the north side of the street in
1742.
In 1798 the stone was embedded
in the wall of St Swithin's church, now demolished, which
stood on this site. Nobody has been sure of the stone's real
purpose, but it has become recognised as the symbolic cornerstone
of the City.
Today the stone, set in the wall
opposite Cannon Street Station, is just visible behind an
iron grille and glass.
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