Trafalgar Square is a reminder of England's glorious naval days when England ruled the High Seas. Nelson's Column, commemorating England's most famous naval victory over Napoleon in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, was built in honour of Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose heroic leadership won this country the battle. His huge statue is in top of the coloum - it has recently been the subject of a complete makeover and is now gleaming and white.  Admiral Nelson stands atop his coloum looking down towards Portsmouth and his famous ship HMS Victory.

Nelson's statue - photo courtesy Les Baker	Trafalgar Square fountains _ photo courtesy SW

The Square, which was imaginatively designed by another great British architect, John Nash, is centred around the 185 foot granite pillar.  It is said that on a clear day it is possible to see the coast of Brighton on top of the pillar.

Surrounding the pillar are the four famous bronze lions designed by Sir Edwin Landseer. Two impressive fountains sit on either side of the open space, and the whole area has been immeasureably improved by the diversion of traffic around the Square.  This enabled a sweeping vista from the steps of the National Gallery to be completed right down to Nelson's column.

The Square is the location for several national events like the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in December.  Every year the people of Oslo give a beautiful great Christmas Tree to the people of London, in recognition of the great help they received from the UK during World War II.  This tree is festooned with white lights and topped with a huge Star.  The lights are wonderful when they are lit up and choirs from Norway sing Christmas carols - then you know Christmas has arrived!
                               
Also of course it is a wonderful place to "see in" the New Year - you can stand on the great steps and see Big Ben approach midnight - and then as the chimes ring out the whole Square is filled with laughs and cheers from people there.  Great Fun!.

Nearest Tube stations: Charing Cross and Embankment