Cannon Street is in the heart of London's financial centre, a road that lies in the City of London and runs parallel to the River Thames. Funnily enough, the name has nothing to do with the large heavy gun used to blow holes in pirate ships. Way back when, in 1183, the street was known as ‘Candelewrithstrete’ (Candlewright Street), after the candle makers that lived in the area. The current name emerged as a result of the local cockney dialect. Whilst Cannon Street may have come a long way since then, it is still home to the mediaeval London Stone of dubious origin, which is set into an alcove opposite Cannon Street Station. The station opened in 1866, connecting the people of London from one side to another. There's plenty to do near Cannon Street, with attractions of the Clink Prison Museum and Guildhall Art Gallery less than half a mile away.