Trafalgar Square is a
public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around
the area formerly known as Charing Cross. Its name commemorates the
Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars
with France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast
of Cape Trafalgar.The site of Trafalgar Square had been a significant
landmark since the 13th century and originally contained the King's
Mews. After George IV moved the mews to Buckingham Palace, the area was
redeveloped by John Nash, but progress was slow after his death, and
the square did not open until 1844. The 169-foot (52 m) Nelson's Column
at its centre is guarded by four lion statues. A number of
commemorative statues and sculptures occupy the square, but the Fourth
Plinth, left empty since 1840, has been host to contemporary art since
1999. The square has been used for community gatherings and political
demonstrations, including Bloody Sunday in 1887, the culmination of the
first Aldermaston March, anti-war protests, and campaigns against
climate change. Below is a 360 panorama of Trafalgar Square.
Panorama of Trafalgar Square