A CRYPTIC stone shrouded in mystery is one of London's oldest artefacts – yet scientists have no idea where it came from.

The London Stone is housed in a small crypt built into a wall on Cannon Street, and has been there since at least the 16th Century.

Legend has it that the modest lump of limestone has magical properties, and that if removed from the London, the city will fall.

Buildings have risen and fallen around it over the centuries, and scientists say it may have been sitting on Cannon Street since the Romans ruled Britain.

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