It also plays host to a range of events throughout the year that are supported by the Greater London Authority , who manage the square. Trafalgar Square is in Westminster , in central London. Charing Cross is the nearest station Underground and local train services.
The site of Trafalgar Square was previously the Royal Mews from the 14th to the 17th centuries. The mews moved to its current location at Buckingham Palace in the early 19th century. John Nash subsequently redesigned the square, which officially opened in More recently, it was redeveloped to include a pedestrianised area at the north of the square in During its history, the square has been a place for protests, demonstrations and large-scale events, which continues to this day. You can attend one of the numerous family-friendly Trafalgar Square events today.
Supported by the Mayor of London , these Trafalgar Square free events include multicultural festivals and religious celebrations, ranging from Chinese New Year and Pride in London festivities, to carol singing beneath the Christmas tree , an annual gift from Norway every year since Snap a selfie with one of the Trafalgar Square lions.
Gather around the two spectacular Trafalgar Square fountains , which were added to the square in Sir Edwin Lutyens redesigned the fountains in the s to include new centrepieces featuring dolphins, mermaids and tritons. Spot the four plinths in the corners of the square. Wander into the spectacular St Martin-in-the-Fields Church , which hosts regular services and concerts, and has a charming cafe in its underground crypt. Enjoy a drink at Trafalgar Square pubs and bars, which can be found around the square and in adjoining streets.
The Nelson's Column is the most famous monument at the square. The column with a statue at the top was built in the year in remembrance of the famous British war hero Admiral Lord Nelson. The final resting place of the admiral is situated in the nearby St. Paul's Cathedral. The bronze Lion Sculptures at the foot of Nelson's Column are a challenge for young and old.
You have to climb a bit to reach a place in front of or on one of the lions. Exactly this is the appealing point for the popular photo scene.
The National Gallery is the largest building on the square and particularly striking by the tall columns on the facade. Some steps lead up to the area in front of the building, which offers a good overview of the Trafalgar Square. The entrance to the National Gallery , the famous London art museum , is free. The church of St Martin-in-the-Fields is especially known because of its excellent location in the center of London and as a venue for classical concerts.
Usually several times a week free concerts take place during the day. Most times in the evening you have to pay an entrance fee for the concerts. The Church can be visited free of charge at certain times. The two Fountains with the surrounding basins offer some good seat possibilities to observe the hustle and bustle at the place.
On some hot days , which do not occur frequently, usually overheated tourists put their stressed feet into the water , although it is forbidden. It was a gift to the city of London from the state of Virginia in the USA, which is why today you will find him confidently perched outside of the National Gallery.
The fourth plinth sits on the northwestern edge of Trafalgar Square. Originally, it was supposed to be the site of a statue of King William IV. Fittingly for a project depicting a man with his own fair share of money woes, financial troubles put the kibosh on the project. The plinth remained empty for more than years. But in , a solution was found. The plinth would serve as a showpiece for a changing display of contemporary art. Various pieces have had their time in the limelight, from a statue of the HMS Victory to an eclectic living artwork that saw more than 2, artists contribute.
Until recently, the statue is a recreation of a year-old statue of the deity Amassu, which was destroyed by ISIS in Was it so that Dr Who could pop into London for a spot of theatre and art whenever he pleased? Unfortunately not. The micro-station was built in so that the Met police could keep a watchful eye on demonstrators who had begun to take to Trafalgar Square. It was originally a temporary thing, but they soon decided to make this station more permanent and installed lighting inside.
The narrow windows all around the building were meant to give panoramic views of any unlawful activity in the area and the light on top would flash, alerting nearby officers that back up was very much needed. Not only does the building offer a great view out of Trafalgar Square, but it was also big enough to house a police officer and a wretched crook! Technically it was a lookout post, not a police station those are officially designated — but why let a technicality spoil your fun?
None of this centimetres and metres business, the imperial system relies on measurements including inches, links and feet. In their place, they made three new sets of measurements which they hope match the originals. However, the current Neoclassical building dates from the early 18th century. In fact, the history of the site can be traced back even further than the squabbling churches of the s. Whenever it began, today it is a beautiful church that is a must visit for those who love beautiful architecture.
The building is Grade I listed, and inspired many American churches. They even hold frequent ish jazz concerts and free lunchtime concerts that are always well worth popping into! One of my favourite places to experience the warm and fuzzies that come with Christmas in London is at the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree.
In late November each year, the tree is cut in Norway and then sent via boat to the English capital. Once it arrives, it is decorated, Norwegian-style, before it is revealed to the public in all its glory in early December. It remains on show until around 6 January. As well as serving as a token of cross-country friendship, the tree is also the site of many beautiful carol performances.
Most funds raised by these performances go to supporting various charitable works. It would be easy to start the history of Trafalgar Square with the Battle of Trafalgar — however that would be to miss out some of the most interesting history of the square.
In fact, the history of Trafalgar Square reads much like an exhibit from the British National Museum.
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