Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
Discover London’s tiniest public sculpture—a charming bronze tribute to a tragic tale of two workers and their missing cheese sandwich.
Nestled on a small strip between buildings at 23 Eastcheap in London, the Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture is often cited as the city's tiniest public artwork. This diminutive bronze carving depicts two mice locked in a tug-of-war over a piece of cheese, commemorating a tragic and peculiar tale from the 1860s involving two construction workers. Despite its modest size, the sculpture captivates visitors with its detailed craftsmanship and the intriguing blend of folklore and history that surrounds it.
A brief summary to Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
- 23 Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1DE, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Look up carefully on the corner of Eastcheap and Philpot Lane to spot the tiny mice sculpture about 15 feet above street level.
- Visit during daylight hours for the best visibility of the detailed bronze carving.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Monument to the Great Fire of London.
- Bring binoculars or a zoom camera lens if you want a closer look at the intricate details.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the District or Circle line to Monument station, located about 5 minutes’ walk from Philpot Lane. The station is well-served with frequent trains, and a single journey fare costs approximately £2.50 with contactless payment. The walk from the station is flat and accessible.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Eastcheap, including routes 15 and 17. Bus travel times vary but generally take 10-20 minutes from central London areas. A contactless fare is around £1.75. Buses are accessible but can be subject to traffic delays.
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Walking
If you are already in the City of London, walking to Philpot Lane is a pleasant option. From the Monument to the Great Fire of London, it is about a 7-minute walk on level pavement, suitable for most mobility levels.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
A Tiny Tribute Amidst London's Grandeur
The Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture is a minuscule bronze carving located at 23 Eastcheap, London, often regarded as the smallest permanent public sculpture in the city. Perched inconspicuously between two buildings on Philpot Lane, this tiny artwork depicts two mice nibbling on a chunk of cheese. The sculpture contrasts sharply with the towering skyscrapers and grand historic landmarks nearby, offering a whimsical and intimate glimpse into London's layered history.The Tale of Tragedy and Mice
The origin of the sculpture is shrouded in a blend of fact and folklore. Local legend recounts that during the construction of the building in 1861-62, two workers engaged in a heated argument over a missing cheese sandwich. The dispute allegedly escalated while they were on the scaffolding, resulting in a fatal fall. It was later discovered that mice had actually eaten the sandwich, not either man. To commemorate this tragic yet peculiar incident, the tiny mice sculpture was added to the building's facade. While the veracity of this story is debated, it has become an enduring part of London's cultural tapestry.Architectural and Artistic Details
The building housing the sculpture was originally constructed as offices and warehousing for spice merchants Messrs. Hunt and Crombie. Designed by John Young and Son, it features rich Victorian detailing including polychromatic brickwork and barley-twist columns. The mice sculpture itself is meticulously crafted despite its small scale, capturing the playful yet poignant moment of the rodents tugging at the cheese. The sculpture is positioned about 15 feet above street level, requiring visitors to look up to appreciate its fine detail.Legends and Cultural Significance
Beyond its physical presence, the Philpot Lane Mice have grown into a beloved London curiosity. The story of the mice and the tragic workers is retold by locals and guides alike, much like other London legends such as the Ravens of the Tower or Gog and Magog. The sculpture symbolizes human folly, misunderstanding, and the unexpected ways small events can resonate through time. Its continued maintenance, including periodic repainting, reflects the community’s commitment to preserving this quirky piece of heritage.Discovering the Hidden Gem
Finding the Philpot Lane Mice requires a keen eye, as the sculpture is easily overlooked amid the hustle of the City of London. Positioned near the Monument to the Great Fire of London and close to the Monument tube station, it offers a delightful surprise for those who seek it out. The lane itself is named after Sir John Philpot, a 14th-century Lord Mayor of London, adding another layer of historical resonance to the site.Enduring Charm in a Modern Landscape
Today, the Philpot Lane Mice stand as a testament to London's rich and varied history, blending humor, tragedy, and artistry in a single small sculpture. Amid the modern financial district and iconic buildings like the Walkie Talkie, these tiny mice remind visitors that even the smallest details can hold great stories and charm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.1 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Custom House
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Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Lloyd's of London
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Cornhill Fountain
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113 Cannon St
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London Stone (remaining part)
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Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
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Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
1 Tower Hl Ter
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Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Historic England
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Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Tower Hill Memorial
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Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
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London Wall
0.6 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.6 km
Discover London's haunting past at The London Bridge Experience, where history and thrills meet in an unforgettable adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
20 Fenchurch St
0.1 km
Iconic London skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie, featuring a stunning three-floor Sky Garden with panoramic city views and rooftop dining.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.1 km
Explore the historic St Margaret Pattens in London, a serene church brimming with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Pudding Ln
0.1 km
Pudding Lane: Historic street where the Great Fire of London ignited, shaping the city’s future and urban heritage.
Fish St Hill
0.2 km
Historic street leading to London Bridge, shadowed by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending centuries of London’s history.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
0.2 km
A peaceful historic garden oasis in the heart of London’s financial district, blending Gothic ruins with lush greenery and tranquil charm.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.2 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
Leadenhall Market
0.2 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
0.2 km
A historic sanctuary at the foot of London Bridge, where centuries of faith and city life converge in a Baroque masterpiece.
The Garden at 120
0.3 km
Discover London’s largest free rooftop garden with serene greenery and iconic 360° city views atop 120 Fenchurch Street.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
St Michael Cornhill
0.3 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
Lombard St
0.3 km
Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
Change Alley
0.3 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
St Mary Abchurch
0.3 km
Discover the tranquility of St Mary Abchurch, a historic church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London's financial district, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.3 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of St Olave's Church, a hidden gem in the heart of London, perfect for history enthusiasts and peace-seekers alike.
Essential places to dine
14 Hills
0.3 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.4 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Madison
0.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
George
0.9 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.9 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Lyle's
1.5 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
St. John
1.6 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.6 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.7 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Nomadic community
1.7 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.8 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
0.4 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
0.5 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Hay's Galleria
0.6 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Borough Yards
0.8 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Middlesex Textiles
0.8 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.8 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
One New Change
0.9 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.9 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Commercial St
1.1 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
1.1 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Fashion St
1.1 km
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Barbican Shop
1.2 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Sclater Street Market
1.2 km
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DPUS Designer Outlet
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Bankside Arches Boutique
1.3 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
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Demon, Wise & Partners
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.6 km
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Moonshine Saloon
0.6 km
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The Bell
0.8 km
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Nine Lives
0.8 km
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Dirty Dicks
0.9 km
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The Astronomer, EC1
0.9 km
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Discount Suit Company
0.9 km
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.9 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
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The Old School Yard
1.2 km
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Aviary
1.2 km
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Flight Club Shoreditch
1.2 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.4 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
E1
1.6 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
XOYO LONDON
1.6 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
1.6 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.8 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.8 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
London Best Night Clubs
1.9 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.0 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Corsica Studios
2.2 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Proud Late
2.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.4 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Carwash Nightclub
2.6 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
