Within is a large staircase of black marble, containing 345 steps, 10 inches and a half broad, and 6 inches in thickness, and by these there is an ascent to the iron balcony (which is the abacus of the column). Over the capital is an iron balcony, encompassing a cone 32 feet high, supporting a blazing urn of brass, gilt. In the place of this urn, which was set up contrary to Sir Christopher’s opinion, was originally intended a colossal statue, in brass, gilt, of King Charles II. as founder of the new city, after the manner of the Roman pillars, which terminated with the statues of their Cæsars; or else a figure erect of a woman crowned with turrets, holding a sword and cap of maintenance, with other ensigns of the city’s grandeur and re-erection. Prior to this, the same gentleman made a design of a pillar of somewhat less proportion, viz. 14 feet in diameter, and after a peculiar device: for as the Romans expressed by _relievo_ on the pedestals, and round the shafts of their columns, the history of such actions and incidents as were intended to be thereby commemorated; so this monument of the conflagration and resurrection of the city of London was represented by a pillar in flames; the flames, blazing from the loop-holes of the shaft, intended to give light to the stairs within, were in brass work gilt, and on the top was a phœnix rising from her ashes, also of brass gilt. _Parentalia._ The west side of the pedestal is adorned with curious emblems, by the masterly hand of Mr. Cibber, father to the late Poet Laureat, in which the eleven principal figures are done in _alto_, and the rest in _basso relievo_. The principal figure, to which the eye is particularly directed, is a female, representing the city of London, sitting in a languishing posture on a heap of ruins: her head droops, her hair is dishevelled, and her hand, with an air of languor, lies carelessly on her sword. Behind is Time, gradually raising her up: at her side, a woman, representing Providence, gently touches her with one hand, while with a winged scepter in the other, she directs her to regard two Goddesses in the clouds, one with a cornucopia, denoting Plenty, the other with a palm branch, the emblem of Peace. At her feet is a bee-hive, to shew that by industry and application the greatest misfortunes may be overcome. Behind Time, are citizens exulting at his endeavours to restore her; and, beneath, in the midst of the ruins, is a dragon, the supporter of the city arms, who endeavours to preserve them with his paw. Still farther, at the north end, is a view of the city in flames; the inhabitants in consternation, with their arms extended upward, and crying out for succour.