Guide to Cannon Street: Key Facts, History, Architecture and Tourism

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.

Cannon Street is part of the City’s business district. As such, a number of blue chip companies are headquartered in the street. These include Fidelity Growth Europe, Euroclear Group, First State Investments, WSS Associates, Alpha Bank London, Barclays Bank, Kaplan Financial, K&L Gates LLP, BBVA Bank, Bakefield Partnership, BLME Asset Management, and Global Liquidity Solutions.

A Tour of Cannon Street

Cannon Street’s layout runs parallel to the River Thames. Starting a few yards west of Mansion House station, visitors will find the green area known as Festival Gardens. Just before reaching the intersection where Cannon Street station is located, visitors will see the Bucklersbury House on the left hand side of the street. A large Barclays Bank building is also visible from this point. Because of the large number of commuters that use Cannon Street station, the surrounding area has numerous cafés, takeaway shops, and restaurants. Between this section of Cannon Street and Monument station, the visitor will find a number of law firms and recruitment agencies.

Transport Links

Due to its location in the heart of the City of London, Cannon Street is well connected to the rest of the capital. Mansion House underground station is located on the western end of Cannon Street, at the crossroads with Queen Victoria Street. This station is on the Circle and District lines, and it has connections with key locations in the business district, like Moorgate, Liverpool Street, Baker Street, and Aldgate. It is also possible to reach Paddington, Victoria, and Farringdon stations for onward train connections.

Cannon Street station marks the middle of this road, and it is served by both the underground and National Rail trains. The station is mainly used by commuters who travel into London from Kent and East Sussex. Monument underground station is located on the eastern end of Cannon Street. This station connects Cannon Street with the DLR, Kensington, Westminster, King’s Cross, and Great Portland Street.

More about Cannon Street:

Cannon Street – Chapter XLVIII, Old and New London, Volume 1 (1878) – a wonderful account of what walking down the Cannon Street was like in late 19th century.

A look at Cannon Street Underground Station – Looking at the changes the station has undergone, with images of ‘before’ and ‘after’.

London Stone Pub – Located at 109 Cannon Street, London Stone claims to offer a truly eerie experience, including spooky interior and 7 deadly sins cocktails.

Thinking of setting up a company office in Cannon Street area? Use London Office Finder to view available serviced offices on Cannon Street.

Further guides on important streets in the city of London including Baker Street, Broad Street, Goodge Street, Great Portland Street, Old Street and Regents Street.

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