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Trafalgar Square, the main hub of Central London,
was built to honour one of Britains greatest naval tacticians
Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. This followed his victory in
1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, off the coast of Spain.
The centrepiece, Nelson's Column, was erected in 1843 and
stands 145 ft high. At the bottom of the column, bas-reliefs
commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson's greatest victories: Cape
St Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar.
At the corners of the colum's plinth are four bronze lions
sculptured by Sir Edwin Landseer. The lions were actually
cast from metal, which came from the French cannons captured
at the naval battles they illustrate. It was completed in
1867.
Trafalgar Square is always full of pigeons and tourists taking
photographs of sculptures-lions. The Square is always full
of people and events.
Traditions associated with Trafalgar squre include political
ralies, and each December nightly caroling and the errection
of large Christmas tree sent from Norway.
Also, the famous Admiral Viscount Horatio Nelson gave his
life for his country, dying from his wounds in battle. He
was born in 1758, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 12,
and was admired by all of his comrades. In his speech to the
crew before this famous battle, on October 21, 1805, he said,
" England expects
every man to do his duty." He is buried in St. Paul's
Cathedral.
To the North of the square is the National
Gallery, which houses one of the richest collections of
paintings in the world.
To the South is Whitehall. To the East is St. Martin in the
Fields, which is world-famous for its orchestra. Canada House
is on the West side, so Canadian visitors can read Canadian
newspapers and check their e-mail here.
Trafalgar Square used to be famous for its pigeon population
and a popular passtime was buying seeds to feed the pigeons
who would land on anyone who would feed them. These days feeding
the pigeons has been banned as they are a health hazard, and
the population has diminished.
Another popular thing to do in Trafalgar square is to climb
the bronze lions that are seated around Nelson.
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| Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square |
| Trafalgar Square |
| Bronze Lion, Trafalgar Square |
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