What is Trafalgar Square?
Trafalgar Square is one of London's most famous and iconic landmarks, situated in the heart of Westminster. For centuries, the area where the square now stands was a royal mews, housing stables for the monarch's horses. However, by the 1820s, the stables had fallen out of use, and plans were laid out to transform the space into a grand square.
How old is Trafalgar Square?
Construction began in 1829 under the direction of architect John Nash, with the square dedicated to commemorating the British victory in the Battle of Trafalgar back in 1805, when Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson had secured a significant naval victory against the French and Spanish fleets, paving the way for Britain to become the dominant global power at sea, but in doing so, lost his own life.
What is in Trafalgar Square?
Towering over the square is Nelson's Column which reaches a height of 169 feet and is topped with a statue of Nelson, who is actually the size of a double decker bus (though he wasn’t in real life). Surrounding the column are four bronze lions, known as "Nelson Lions,". Surrounding the square are several important buildings, from the respective High Commissions of Canada and South Africa, to The National Gallery, one of the world's most prestigious art museums. The gallery houses some of the most recognisable European masterpieces, attracting art lovers and tourists alike to admire the work of Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Turner and countless more. The Gallery is free to enter, and you can get your tickets here.
What happens in Trafalgar Square?
Due to its proximity to Parliament and Downing Street, it has been a gathering place for protests, demonstrations, and political rallies, from suffragette marches to the Black Lives Matter protests.
In addition to its political significance, Trafalgar Square has been a site of great cultural and social celebrations, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, Pride, Christmas markets, Diwali light shows and much more. The square's wide-open space has also made it a preferred location for events and concerts, including Gay Pride and West End Live and film premieres including the final Harry Potter movie, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
Today, Trafalgar Square is still one of the most recognisable spots in the Capital and remains a popular meeting place, offering an array of places to grab food and drinks, with breath-taking views of the city and its iconic architecture.
You can visit Trafalgar Square on our Royal Westminster Tour, our Harry Potter Tour or our Sherlock Holmes Tour or you can find information about all our London Walking Tours here.
