Trafalgar Square - Sightseeing, Monuments, Parks & Gardens, London Monuments

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Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square, the main hub of Central London, was built in honour of Admiral Nelson. This followed his victory in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, off the coast of Spain.

John Nash designed the square in the 1830's. The centrepiece is Nelson's Column, which supports a large statue of Nelson on the top.

Nelson looks tiny from the ground but is actually 18ft high and weighs a massive 16 tons. The exact height of the column varies considerably depending on whom you ask.

Estimates swing from a modest 120ft up to over 200ft. Virtual London has undertaken the huge task of finally solving this mystery. Using state of the art measuring techniques we can state categorically that Nelson's Column is in fact 7.5 London buses high, approximately.

Four bronze lions by Edwin Landseer stand at the base of the column. The lions were cast from metal, which came from the actual cannons used at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Trafalgar Square is also famous for its pigeons. The local authorities try to discourage people from feeding them as all the local buildings are covered with their droppings. Nelson's Column itself has a staggering 1ton of droppings removed from it each year! However, the pigeons are still very popular with tourists.

On or about the 6th of December each year a huge Christmas tree is erected in the square and covered in pretty coloured lights which are switched on by a celebrity. The tree is given by Norway as a thank you for help during World War 2. Christmas carols are sung under the tree each evening until Christmas Eve.

Plans have been put forward to pedestrianise Trafalgar Square, along with neighbouring Whitehall and Parliament Square. The final go-ahead has yet to be given but hopefully it won't be too long before this area of London becomes safer and even more pleasant for all to enjoy.

The full history of Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar is told at The National Maritime Museum.

If you are interested in tours to Trafalgar Square click here or here.

Nearest Underground (Tube) Station: Charing Cross.