Trafalgar Square, set in central London, is one of Britain's great
tourist attractions. A visit to the capital would be incomplete without
going to marvel at Nelsons Column and the four giant lions at its base,
or to admire the lovely splashing fountains and to feed the pigeons, who
have made their home here. Built to commemorate Admiral Nelson, the
square was named after the Spanish Cape Trafalgar where his last battle
was won.
It was John Nash, who designed the first layout of the square
in the 1820's. Although he didn't live to see its completion, his
Neo-classical design was adhered to, achieving the unified effect of the
beautiful buildings we admire today. Building of the square began in
1829 and was still being developed into the 1840's.
The National Gallery occupies the north side of the square. In
the stone under the balustrade, you can see the Imperial Standards of
Length (1 foot, 2 feet, 1 yard etc.).
On the east side is South Africa House, with African animals
featured on the stone arches. Sir Robert Smirke, who designed The
British Museum, also created Canada House, on the west side. Now open to
the public, Canada House is worth a visit to enjoy the original
classical interior, and to see the interesting changing exhibitions on
view. Visiting Canadians may be interested to know that they can read
the Canadian newspapers, browse on line, or send and receive emails in
Canada House.
The chartists assembled in Trafalgar Square in 1848 and since
then, it has been a favourite meeting place for demonstrators and
marchers, trying to gain attention for their cause.
Each year in December, the people of Norway send a gift of an
enormous Christmas Tree to Britain, which is erected in Trafalgar
Square. This is in thanks for Britain's part in their liberation during
the second world war. One of the unforgettable sights of London is to
see the giant tree after dark, when it is lit by hundreds of twinkling
fairy lights, carol singers grouped around, while floodlights illuminate
the sparkling water in the fountains of the square. This picture is
depicted on many Christmas cards, sent all over the world each year.
The equestrian statue of Charles I at the south end of the
square is noteworthy, as being the original site of Charing Cross. This
is the spot from which all 'distances from London' are measured. Edward I
erected a cross here in 1290, the last of twelve marking the resting
places of the funeral cortege of his wife Eleanor as it made its way
from Nottinghamshire to Westminster Abbey. The cross remained on this
spot, until its removal during the civil war in the mid 17th century. A
replica was placed in the forecourt to Charing Cross Station two
centuries later.
Surrounding Nelson are statues of other distinguished men. On
either side, are the bronze statues of Sir Henry Havelock and Sir
Charles James Napier both Victorian major generals. Fronting the north
wall are busts of Beatty, Jellicoe and Cunningham all famous military
leaders. In the north east corner, is a statue of George IV on
horseback, commissioned by him, while in the opposite corner the
pedestal does not yet have a permanent statue.