Trafalgar Square

It was established in the nineteenth century. Before that, it was the site of the royal stables, and after they were demolished, architect John Nash proposed creating a square where city festivals and mass events could be held. However, John Nash died before completing the project. The construction was completed by the equally famous architect Charles Barry. It was he who ordered the installation of four pedestals at the corners of the square, on which, according to the plan, monuments to famous Britons were to be erected.

Initially, the square was named after King William the Fourth, but it was soon renamed Trafalgar Square. The square became a symbol of victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. The battle belongs to the times of the Napoleonic Wars and took place in eighteen hundred and five near Cape Trafalgar between the British and Franco-Spanish fleets. The British forces won the battle. Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, who commanded the English fleet, died in the battle.

Trafalgar Square opened on May first, eighteen forty-four.

On May eighth, nineteen forty-five, Winston Churchill announced the victory in World War Two on Trafalgar Square.

The square is approximately one hundred and sixty-six meters long and one hundred and sixteen meters wide. In the center of the square stands Nelson's Column made of dark grey granite, topped with a statue of Admiral Nelson. The square base is decorated with four panels cast from trophy French (Napoleonic) cannons, depicting Nelson's four famous victories. The column was erected between eighteen forty and eighteen forty-three, surrounded by sculptures of lions and fountains. Currently, the fountains are illuminated at night, creating a stunning view.

In two thousand and six, Nelson's Column was restored. The work was carried out by David Ball Restoration Limited of South London. The restoration cost four hundred and twenty thousand pounds.

The northeast part of the square is adorned with an equestrian statue of King George the Fourth. In the southwest corner stands Charles James Napier – a general who fought in Pakistan and India. In the southeast corner, near the entrance to the Charing Cross subway station, stands a pedestal for Major Henry Havelock. The fourth pedestal remained vacant for a long time. Londoners believe that there are enough interesting personalities, heroes, and events in the modern world. Therefore, a new sculpture or installation appears on the pedestal every one to two years.

Around the square are the National Gallery of London, Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the Admiralty Arch, and several embassies.

The main attraction of Trafalgar Square is the fifty-six-meter Nelson's Column in the center, built between eighteen forty and eighteen forty-three by William Railton, designed after one of the columns at the Temple of Mars Ultor in the Roman Forum. Atop the column is a five-meter statue of Horatio Nelson, directing ships in the southwest direction.

At the base of the monument are four bronze reliefs demonstrating Admiral Nelson's victories at the Nile in seventeen ninety-seven (north side), in Copenhagen in eighteen-o-one (east side), at Cape Saint Vincent in seventeen ninety-seven, and in the Battle of Trafalgar. This last relief symbolizes the final moments of Admiral Nelson's life and carries his famous words: "England expects that every man will do his duty". The column was restored in two thousand and six.

Near the column, much later, four bronze lions were installed by Sir Edwin Landseer, and two fountains built by Sir Edwin Lutyens in nineteen forty-eight.

London's main Christmas tree stands in Trafalgar Square. Every year it is brought from Oslo - a way for Norwegians to thank the British for their help during World War Two.

Nelson's Column also had symbolic significance for Adolf Hitler. Had he successfully invaded Britain, Hitler planned to transfer the column to Berlin.

The smallest (and most adorable) police box can be found at the southeast corner of the square. In nineteen twenty-six, Scotland Yard ran a telephone line and light into a lamppost, which the police could use to call for help.