The micro-station was built in so that the Met police could keep a watchful eye on demonstrators who had begun to take to Trafalgar Square. It was originally a temporary thing, but they soon decided to make this station more permanent and installed lighting inside.
The narrow windows all around the building were meant to give panoramic views of any unlawful activity in the area and the light on top would flash, alerting nearby officers that back up was very much needed. Not only does the building offer a great view out of Trafalgar Square, but it was also big enough to house a police officer and a wretched crook! Technically it was a lookout post, not a police station those are officially designated — but why let a technicality spoil your fun?
None of this centimetres and metres business, the imperial system relies on measurements including inches, links and feet. In their place, they made three new sets of measurements which they hope match the originals. However, the current Neoclassical building dates from the early 18th century. In fact, the history of the site can be traced back even further than the squabbling churches of the s. Whenever it began, today it is a beautiful church that is a must visit for those who love beautiful architecture.
The building is Grade I listed, and inspired many American churches. They even hold frequent ish jazz concerts and free lunchtime concerts that are always well worth popping into!
One of my favourite places to experience the warm and fuzzies that come with Christmas in London is at the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. In late November each year, the tree is cut in Norway and then sent via boat to the English capital.
Once it arrives, it is decorated, Norwegian-style, before it is revealed to the public in all its glory in early December. It remains on show until around 6 January. As well as serving as a token of cross-country friendship, the tree is also the site of many beautiful carol performances.
Most funds raised by these performances go to supporting various charitable works. It would be easy to start the history of Trafalgar Square with the Battle of Trafalgar — however that would be to miss out some of the most interesting history of the square. In fact, the history of Trafalgar Square reads much like an exhibit from the British National Museum.
In the s, building works revealed the skeletons of a number of great beasts under the square, including cave lions, rhinos and hippos. It might seem hard to imagine the famous London square being stomped on by the hooves of giant mammals, but that was the case several millennia ago. In around , the idea for a large public square began to take shape. Plans were drawn up, and arguments were had over the name for the square.
Eventually, it was decided that the square would be named after the Battle of Trafalgar, an epic naval battle where the British, under the command of Lord Nelson, defeated the French and the Spanish in the Napoleonic Wars.
Despite this — or maybe because of it — he has gone down as an almost mythical war hero. Over the years, Trafalgar Square has become the epicentre of many protests, a kind of living art gallery, and above all, a space for visitors and Londoners to enjoy.
Luckily, they did not succeed, and it continues to be one of the most enduring symbols of London. The nearest tube station to Trafalgar Square is Charing Cross, which is just a few minutes walk from the heart of the square.
Taking a walking tour around Trafalgar Square is a great way to find out more about the history and significance of this London landmark. Love This? The bronze Lion Sculptures at the foot of Nelson's Column are a challenge for young and old.
You have to climb a bit to reach a place in front of or on one of the lions. Exactly this is the appealing point for the popular photo scene.
The National Gallery is the largest building on the square and particularly striking by the tall columns on the facade. Some steps lead up to the area in front of the building, which offers a good overview of the Trafalgar Square. The entrance to the National Gallery , the famous London art museum , is free. The church of St Martin-in-the-Fields is especially known because of its excellent location in the center of London and as a venue for classical concerts.
Usually several times a week free concerts take place during the day. Most times in the evening you have to pay an entrance fee for the concerts. The Church can be visited free of charge at certain times. The two Fountains with the surrounding basins offer some good seat possibilities to observe the hustle and bustle at the place.
On some hot days , which do not occur frequently, usually overheated tourists put their stressed feet into the water , although it is forbidden. Officially naming in the year: Width: approx. About 15 million tourists visit the Trafalgar Square every year. Thus it is among the 10 most visited tourist attractions in London. Officially , the square has an estimated capacity of up to 19, people at the same time. John Nash subsequently redesigned the square, which officially opened in More recently, it was redeveloped to include a pedestrianised area at the north of the square in During its history, the square has been a place for protests, demonstrations and large-scale events, which continues to this day.
You can attend one of the numerous family-friendly Trafalgar Square events today. Supported by the Mayor of London , these Trafalgar Square free events include multicultural festivals and religious celebrations, ranging from Chinese New Year and Pride in London festivities, to carol singing beneath the Christmas tree , an annual gift from Norway every year since Snap a selfie with one of the Trafalgar Square lions.
Gather around the two spectacular Trafalgar Square fountains , which were added to the square in Sir Edwin Lutyens redesigned the fountains in the s to include new centrepieces featuring dolphins, mermaids and tritons.
Spot the four plinths in the corners of the square. Wander into the spectacular St Martin-in-the-Fields Church , which hosts regular services and concerts, and has a charming cafe in its underground crypt. Enjoy a drink at Trafalgar Square pubs and bars, which can be found around the square and in adjoining streets. The nearest station to Trafalgar Square is Charing Cross , which is on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and has mainline rail services connecting to the south east of England.
There is a dedicated Trafalgar Square Tube station exit, which leads directly onto the square. Other nearby Trafalgar Square Underground stations include Leicester Square six-minute walk , Embankment eight-minute walk and Piccadilly Circus nine-minute walk. You can also take a bus to Trafalgar Square, with the following bus routes stopping at the square: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 87, 88, 91, , , and Nearby parking facilities are provided by Q-Park.
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