London's Most Important Public Space

Trafalgar Square, to the north, links the political and religious section of Westminster to the rest of west London. It was built in dedication to British naval commander Viscount Horatio Nelson and the British naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The square is dominated by Nelson’s Column, 51m tall, designed by British sculptor William Railton and erected in 1842. It is surmounted by a stone statue of Nelson in full dress uniform by British sculptor H. E. Bailey.

In 1867 four bronze lions were added at the base of the monument, each 6m long and 3.4m high. The figures were cast from a design by British sculptor Sir Edwin Landseer.

Two fountains designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens were erected in 1939.

Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2

Directions: Charing Cross or Leicester Square tubes