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The history of the area of London known as Trafalgar Square began its life as part of the courtyard for the stables that originally served Whitehall Palace in London. The area existed as the courtyard for many years, between the early fourteenth century until the late seventeenth century. During the early 1800s the Royal Household considered the area no longer of use for the stable courtyard and had it completely cleared for other purposes. In 1830, the area envisioned by London architect John Nash in 1812, was officially named Trafalgar Square.
The name "Trafalgar Square" relates the location to the infamous 1805 Napoleonic War battle, the Battle of Trafalgar. George Ledwell Taylor suggested the name as an alternative to the originally planned name of "King William the IV Square". The Southern end of the square is the original location of Charing Cross, which is still considered the heart of London. The architecture of the modern Trafalgar Square can be attributed to Sir Charles Barry, who oversaw the construction project to introduce and upper terrace connected to a lower level area via a staircase, which was completed in 1845. During the first half of the 18th century, the Square saw many changes and additions to the original development design.
The National Gallery, which holds a massive collection of over 2,300 paintings that date from the 1350s to 1900, was constructed between 1832 and 1838 and is today one of the most complete collections of period paintings in London. Sir Charles Barry's construction of the upper terrace and staircase joining the lower level area also included the tribute monument to Admiral Nelson, who was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The monument, known as Nelson's Column, stands proudly in the center of the square and is diligently guarded by four lion statues at its base.
Within its original construction, Trafalgar Square's four corners are marked by monument columns called plinths. Only three of the plinths have memorial statues located on their pedestals including Northeast, Southeast and Southwest corners. Each of these locations includes a monument to different individuals with historical significance, including King George IV, Henry Havelock and Sir Charles James Napier. Though there was originally intended to be a statue of King William IV, the Northwest plinth currently houses a rotating display of contemporary artwork.
The impressive fountains on display within the area of Trafalgar Square were not originally intended to provide a pleasing view of artistically displayed water. Their original intention was to prevent the assembly of commoners which might cause a riot. Both fountains have been refurbished and redesigned over the years between their original installation and today and are now standing as tributes to Lord Jellicoe and Lord Beatty, as designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930s. The final bit of restoration to the fountains was completed in 2009, including the integration of an LED lighting system within the fountains to bring the fountains into modern times for the 2012 Olympics being held in London.
Trafalgar Square today is much changed, and improved, since its original construction completion date in 1830. An 18 month upgrade project was completed in 2003 to bring the square all the way into modern times with public toilets, a cafe?, lifts for disabled visitors and a grand sweep of steps leading between the National Gallery terrace and the square itself. The North side of the square now contains now motorized traffic and is open only to pedestrians. Trafalgar Square began as a gathering place for tourists, advocates and celebrants and will continue to do so well into the future, remaining one of London's most historically significant locations.
Are you visiting Trafalgar Square and looking for a place to sleep in the city? Please consider the many cheap hostels in London, conveniently located near popular tourist attractions.
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