Trafalgar Square

the long version

With its famous column, lions, and fountain, Trafalgar Square attracts droves of tourists and natives alike. But this iconic image of London did not acquire its name until 1830—almost 25 years after Admiral Nelson’s death. From its origins as a popular meeting place that linked the City of London to the City of Westminster, to the impressive public space that houses the National Gallery, this richly illustrated and revealing history traces the evolution of the Square. Follow the rise of the buildings that surround Trafalgar, the statues that decorate it, and the architects and designers who built it. s.