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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. |
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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 our 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's column 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.
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