Brief History of Trafalgar Square in London

For nearly 200 years, Trafalgar Square has been a gathering place for the people of London. Designed by the architect John Nash, it was created not only to be a new street, but to be a place of culture.

The Square was built upon land once used as the Great Mews Stabling, part of the lands belonging to Whitehall Palace. Once the Royal Household deemed the area no longer necessary, plans began for a cultural area for London.

Nash, with the help of Charles Barry, began to design the square around 1829. The Square was named after the famous battle of Trafalgar. In 1832 construction began on the National Gallery, the main cultural center in Trafalgar Square. Internationally renowned for its famous artworks, the National Galley still remains a large attraction in the area.

There are several statues, fountains and other architectural masterpieces that can be found around the square. The most famous, perhaps, is in the center of the Square and is named Nelson’s Column. The column is 185 feet tall, with a statue of Lord Nelson erected on the top. Admiral Nelson participated in four major naval victories, one of which was the battle for Trafalgar. Each battle is memorialized on a side of the base of the statue in bronze. Interestingly, the bronze that was used came from a captured cannon during one of the campaigns.

Admiralty Arch is located on the Square and separates Trafalgar from the Mall. This building, deceptive in appearance, is actually an office building. It was first built to commemorate Queen Victoria by her son King Edward VII.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields church is also located on Trafalgar Square. While this building is quite small in comparison to the other structures, it is a church with a long history and the parish church of Buckingham Palace.

Trafalgar Square continues to evolve and grow with time. As recently as 2003, the Square underwent many renovations. More pedestrian walkways have been added and the flow of traffic has been stopped from the northern side. Public restroom facilities and handicap access has been added to encourage more people to participate in events held in the Square.