Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is the largest square in London and is one of Britain's great tourist attractions. It has been a central meeting place since the Middle Ages and at that time the site was called Charing. Later it became known as Charing Cross, after a memorial cross on the square. The nearby underground station is still named Charing Cross.
London starts here
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.
In 1812 the Prince Regent (who would later become King George V) asked the landscape architect John Nash to redevelop the area. He died before his plans were realized. Building of the square began in 1829 and was still being developed into the 1840's. The new design was finally implemented between 1840 and 1845 under supervision of the architect Sir Charles Barry, better known for his Houses of Parliament.
Nelson's Column 
In the center of the square is the tall Nelson's Column (52m or 170ft tall) which was built to commemorate the victory of Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson over the French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar (October 21,1805). Nelson was fatally wounded during that famous battle off the Spanish coast near Cape Trafalgar. His body was taken back to London and buried in the St. Paul's Cathedral. On top of the column is an 18ft high statue of Lord Nelson and at the base of the column are four huge lions which were added about 25 years later. Surrounding Nelson 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 famous military leaders - Beatty, Jellicoe and Cunningham.
Surrounded by Arts & Architecture
The square is surrounded by many great buildings. On the north side is the neo-classical National Gallery, built between 1834 and 1838. It houses a collection of more than 2300 paintings, including works from van Gogh, Renoir, Leonardo da Vinci and Claude Monet. The north side was redeveloped in 2003. The area in front of the National Gallery was pedestrianized and a flight of stairs now leads to the museum. 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.On the east side, the square is bordered by the Canada House and opposite the Canada House is the South Africa House.On the east side is South Africa House, with African animals featured on the stone arches.
At the north-east corner is the St. Martin-in-the-Fields parish church. The church with a large white steeple was built in 1721 by James Gibbs and was used as a model for many churches, especially in the United States. It is the fourth church at this site, the first was built in the 13th century.
Demonstrations of joy and cause
At Christmas time, Norway sends a large fir tree to Britain as a token of thanks for helping to free Norway from the Nazi's and this tree is erected in Trafalgar Square. The sight of the giant tree after dark, when it is lit by hundreds of twinkling fairy lights with carol singers grouped around it and 
floodlights illuminating the sparkling water in the fountains of the square is a memorable sight.
Thousands of people congregate in the Square on New Year's Eve, for what has become a tradition, awaiting Big Ben to strike at midnight.
Since 1848 Trafalgar Square has been a favourite meeting place for demonstrators and marchers wanting to gain attention for their cause.
When talking about Trafalgar Square, one cannot fail to mention about the hordes of pigeons that flock the area (there, it's mentioned).
| How to get there from Holiday Villa London... | |
 |
From Bayswater take the Circle Line towards High Street Kensington to Embankment (19min.). Then walk to Trafalgar square (10 min.). |
Interchange: |
0 |
Total travelling time: |
29 minutes (depending on the time of day) |
| How to get there from Holiday Villa London... | |
|
From Bayswater take the District Line or Circle Line towards Edgware Road to Paddington (2 min.) Then take the Bakerloo Line towards Elephant Castle or Waterloo to Charing Cross (12 min.) Then walk to Trafalgar Square (8min.) |
Interchange: |
1 |
Total travelling time: |
25 minutes (depending on the time of day) |