Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square
James Pollard
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Trafalgar Square is one of London's best known areas. Situated at the northern end of Whitehall, it is the home of Nelson's Column and the National Gallery.

The idea of a magnificent square in the centre of London originally belonged to the Prince Regent (later King George IV) in the early 19th century. He engaged architect John Nash and the object was to celebrate the country's navy, which had won great battles against the French, most notably at Trafalgar.

The Prince's reputation for extravagance worked against him, though, and Parliament refused to fund his plans. However, there was still a desire to celebrate England's naval victories so planning, mostly by committees, went ahead and produced much of the Square we see today.

The centrepiece, Nelson's Column, was erected in the mid 19th century and stands 145 ft high. At the bottom of the column, bas-reliefs commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson's greatest victories: Cape St Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar.

One of the great attractions for many visitors to the Square was feeding the pigeons. There was a stall selling food for them and pigeon numbers were getting totally out of hand. Their droppings disfigured the Square and surrounding buildings and was also a health hazard. At the beginning of 2001, London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, decreed that feeding pigeons must cease. Although many Londoners agreed with this, others did protest, particularly the man selling the pigeon food! Negotiations ensued and more time was allowed for the food to be gradually withdrawn so allowing more time for the pigeons to disperse.

Whitehall

View of Whitehall, 1884
Filippo Baratti
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Once the location of Whitehall Palace before it was destroyed by fire, it is now the main thoroughfare between Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square. It is also home to the major government minisitries, like the Home Office and the Foreign Office, housed in grand neo-classical buildings.

Nowadays, Horse Guards, halfway along the street on the western side, is the most popular attraction for visitors. Here you can see soldiers in their dress uniform of red coats and black busbies on sentry duty. Try as you might, and people really do try, you will get no reaction, no change of facial expression, from these sentries. Go along at 11am and you will see the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard.

In the centre of Whitehall, towards the Parliament Square end, stands the Cenotaph, the country's principal memorial to the dead of the 20th century's two world wars. There is an official ceremony to honour the dead held every year on Armistice Day, 11th November. It is attended by the Queen, Prime Minister and other members of Government and the Royal Family. There is also a parade of veterans.

A tiny turning just off Whitehall, Downing Street contains the home and offices of the Prime Minister (the famous 10 Downing Street) and, next door, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. At one time the street was open and people could walk past the famous address but now there are gates, guarded by police.

Copyright © 2002 by Carol Fisher

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