Trafalgar Square
London
Trafalgar Square is the great square in the heart of London, dedicated to Nelson's naval victory of 1805. It has a very tall column, four bronze lions and two fountains.
A square for a victory at sea
In 1805 Admiral Horatio Nelson won the Battle of Trafalgar, off the coast of Spain. The square took this name in 1830. The first plan was by John Nash, then Charles Barry designed it with two fountains.
Before the square, this was the large courtyard of the Great Mews, buildings that served the king.
What to look at from the square
In the centre rises Nelson's Column, raised in 1843. At the top, the admiral's statue is about 5 metres tall. At the base there are four bronze panels showing his battles. Around it stand the lions by Edwin Landseer, which arrived in 1867.
At the corners of the square there are four plinths. Three hold bronze statues from the 1800s. On the fourth, modern works of art take turns.
The square of celebrations
For us Londoners this is the square where people get together. Parties, concerts and peaceful demonstrations happen here, especially at weekends.
In December a big fir tree arrives from northern Europe. It is decorated with strings of lights hanging straight down. Carols are sung beneath its branches.
