Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a major public space located in the City of Westminster in Central London. It sits near Charing Cross, a location that has served as a significant landmark since the 1200s. In fact, distances from London are often measured from Charing Cross. The square is owned by the King in Right of the Crown and is managed by the Greater London Authority. The surrounding roads are owned by the Westminster City Council.

The square is defined by several prominent buildings and landmarks. On the north side stands the National Gallery. To the east is the St Martin-in-the-Fields church, South Africa House, and Canada House. To the south lies Whitehall, and the Strand runs along the east. The Mall sits to the south-west and leads toward Buckingham Palace via Admiralty Arch.

Construction of the modern square was a complex, multi-stage process. Originally, the site held the King's Mews, which were used for keeping hawks. The term "mews" comes from an old word for this practice. Later, these were rebuilt as stables. In 1826, the Charing Cross Act allowed for the clearance of the area. Architect John Nash created early plans, but his death in 1835 slowed progress. Eventually, Charles Barry took over the design. He managed the sloping site by excavating the main area. He used the removed earth to help level Green Park.

The square is named to honor the Battle of Trafalgar. This was a British naval victory during the Napoleonic Wars. The battle took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar. This battle was fought against the forces of France and Spain. The name "Trafalgar" is a Spanish word with Arabic origins. It likely comes from Taraf al-Ghar or Taraf al-Gharb.

At the center of the square stands Nelson's Column. It commemorates Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, who commanded the Navy at Trafalgar. The column was completed in 1843. It is guarded by four monumental bronze lions. These lions were sculpted by Sir Edwin Landseer and added in 1867. Each lion weighs seven tons. Landseer even used a lion from the London Zoo to help with his sketches.

The square has a long history of significant social and political activity. It has been a site for community gatherings and political demonstrations. This includes the Bloody Sunday event in 1887 and various anti-war protests. It has also been used for climate change campaigns. In the early 20th century, the square was the target of suffragette bombings. One such attack occurred at St Martin-in-the-Fields in 1914. This was part of a campaign for women's suffrage.

Today, the square remains a vibrant part of London's culture. Since 1947, the government of Norway has donated a Christmas tree to the square. It is displayed for twelve days before and after Christmas Day.

The square is also a hub for New Year's Eve celebrations. While it was once known for its large population of feral pigeons, they were removed in the early 21st century.

The area continues to be a central point for both transport and public life.