Trafalgar Square

The story

Named in 1830, the square grew from John Nash's plan for a new street from Charing Cross to Portland Place. Nelson's Column, designed by William Railton, went up in 1843 to honour the admiral's 1805 victory; the fountains followed in 1845 and Sir Edwin Landseer's lions in 1867. Smaller curiosities reward a closer look: the 1876 Imperial Measures for checking perches and chains, and probably the smallest police box ever built. Since 2003 the north terrace has been pedestrianised, linking the square directly to the National Gallery. Bronze statues stand on three plinths, while the fourth shows commissioned contemporary artworks. The square remains a centre of rallies and demonstrations, hosts cultural celebrations, and draws street performers and crowds who sit on the steps to watch the city go by.