Laid out in 1829, Trafalgar Square has recently become car free, creating an attractive open space, with seats and cafes, so it can be used for concerts and entertainment.
Looming 172 foot high above the Square is Nelson’s Column, with the famous naval commander standing on its top. The column, which was financed by public subscription, celebrates his defeat of Napoleon. Below it, huge bronze lions stand guard and the famous fountains light up the Square at night.
To the east of the Square, the fine old building is the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, where regular lunchtime concerts and evening recitals of classical music are held. On the north side, the National Gallery holds one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world – and it’s free. Around the corner, the National Portrait Gallery is another of London’s great free attractions.
Charing Cross, which leads off the Square, is the centre of London – literally – it’s the point where all distances to England’s capital are measured to. Today it is a huge railway terminus, but its name comes from the cross marking the funeral procession of Eleanor, beloved wife of Edward 1.