Trafalgar Square is the very centre of London. It is a place of remembrance, celebration and protest. There are often festivals and events held in the square including West End Live and the St Patrick’s day celebrations.
Trafalgar Square was laid out to commemorate the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s column in the centre of the square was erected in 1843 to remember Admiral Horatio Nelson, the Navy Captain who was shot by a french sniper during the battle. He was the only British casualty.
Fourteen of the 19th Century stone-masons who worked on the monument held a dinner party on Nelson’s platform just before the statue was lifted into place. Eeek! The column in 169 feet tall.
Head to Trafalgar Square to visit the National gallery, where you can view Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Just round the corner is the National Portrait gallery where you can see famous portraits from Henry VIII to Judi Dench. The galleries are free, though some exhibitions do charge. You simply must go to both!
