Trafalgar Square, London

 View of Trafalgar Square

This evening, I am posting information on a key London tourist attraction known as Trafalgar Square.

The square's name commemorates a British naval victory off the coast of Cape Trafalgar which took place on October 21st 1805 in context of the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain.

At the centre sits Nelson's Column, a 169 foot (52m) monument to the architect of the naval victory, Horatio Nelson, who, sadly, lost his life in the action. The column is guarded by four lion statues.

 Nelson's Column


The square is home to a number of commemorative statues and sculptures. The Fourth Plinth, left empty since 1840, has been host to contemporary art since 1999.

Prominent buildings facing the square include the National Gallery, St. Martin-in-the Fields (church), Canada House and South Africa House.

National Gallery

 

St. Martin-in-the Fields 


The square also serves as a focus point for community gatherings and political demonstrations.

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