The Dragon Guardians of the City of London

Dragons guard the ancient City of London (fondly known as the square mile). These dragons serve a dual purpose: they act as both boundary markers and symbols of the City’s rich history and tradition.  Visiting the Dragons of the City of London is a good way to explore the City of London, below we have made a list of all the Dragons and their locations.

History of the Dragons

The idea of using dragons as boundary markers for the City of London has its roots in the city’s history and heraldry. The practice originated in the early 17th century when a pair of dragons was introduced to support the crest of the City of London in its coat of arms[1][4]. This design choice was likely inspired by the legend of St George, whose cross had been a City emblem since at least the early 14th century[1-1][2-1].

The use of physical dragon statues as boundary markers, however, is a more recent development. In the latter part of the 19th century, ornamental boundary markers were erected at points of entry into the City, each surmounted by a dragon clutching the heraldic shield[1]. The most prominent of these early dragons was installed in 1880 at Temple Bar, marking the boundary between the Cities of Westminster and London[3-1].

The widespread use of dragon boundary markers as we know them today began in the 1960s. In 1962, when the London Coal Exchange was demolished, two large cast-iron dragons that had adorned its entrance were saved and repurposed[3-1][4-1]. The following year, these dragons were erected on Victoria Embankment as boundary marks for the City, coinciding with the redrawing of local government boundaries in 1963[4-1].

Over the next few years, several half-size replica dragons were placed around the City’s perimeter[4-1.  The dragons are painted silver with red details on their wings and tongues, and each stands on its left rear leg, with the right rear leg lifted to support a shield bearing the City of London’s coat of arms[4-1].

This unique way of marking the City’s boundaries not only serves a practical purpose but also adds to London’s distinctive character, creating points of interest for locals and tourists alike. The dragons have become iconic symbols of the Square Mile, standing as silent guardians and reminders of the City’s ancient heritage.Here’s a list of the dragon boundary markers guarding the City of London, along with their locations and some interesting facts :

Victoria Embankment Dragons

Location: Two dragons on either side of Victoria Embankment
Interesting facts:

• These are the original and largest dragons, standing 7 feet (210 cm) high[1]
• Originally from the Coal Exchange building, designed by J. B. Bunning and made by Dewer in 1849
• Relocated to their current position in October 1963
• Became Grade II listed buildings in 1972[1]

London Bridge Dragons

Location: Two dragons at the south end of London Bridge
Interesting facts:

• The City of London’s boundary extends to the south bank of the river at this location[2]

High Holborn Dragons

Location: Two dragons on High Holborn near Gray’s Inn Road
Interesting facts:

• Mounted on granite obelisks that originally supported lanterns[1]
  The obelisks became Grade II listed structures in 1972[1]

Aldgate High Street Dragon

Location: Single dragon on Aldgate High Street

Bishopsgate Dragon

Location: Single dragon on Norton Folgate, north of Bishopsgate

Fleet Street Dragon (Temple Bar Dragon)

Location: Single dragon on Fleet Street on the Temple Bar

Interesting facts:

• Different design by C. B. Birch, dating from 1880[1][4]
• Part of the Temple Bar Memorial, designed by Sir Horace Jones[4]
• Marks the site of the old Temple Bar gate[4]

• 

Goswell Road Dragon

Location: Single dragon on Goswell Road, north of Aldersgate Street

Farringdon Street Dragon

Location: Single dragon on Farringdon Street

Blackfriars Bridge Dragon

Location: Single dragon at the south end of Blackfriars Bridge
Interesting fact: Named “Doggett” by Londonist, after the ancient river race of Doggett’s Coat and Badge that passes under this bridge[3]

Moorgate Dragon 

Location: (Currently missing) Previously on Moorgate

Interesting fact:

• Removed during Cross rail construction and not yet replaced[4]

Tower Hill Dragon 

Location: Next to the Tower of London: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4EE

Interesting fact:

Chancery Lane Dragon 

Location: Two dragons on either side of the road

Interesting fact:

Barbican Dragon 

Location: Liverpool Street station

Interesting fact:

Some general interesting facts:

• The dragons are cast iron statues, painted silver with red details on their wings and tongues[1]
• They stand on one rear leg, with the other lifted against a shield bearing the City of London’s coat of arms[2]
• The design is based on two large dragon sculptures that once adorned the Coal Exchange[1]
• Half-size replicas of the original Coal Exchange dragons were made in the late 1960s to mark the main entrances to the City[1]
• There’s a replica of these dragons in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where the 19th-century London Bridge was reconstructed in 1971[1]
• The dragons are sometimes mistaken for griffins[1]
• Their stance mirrors the rampant heraldic attitude of the supporters in the City’s coat of arms[2]

These dragon boundary markers not only serve as distinctive landmarks but also represent the rich history and unique governance of the City of London.