What is the significance of trafalgar square

The consensus from the police was that stronger truncheons were needed as so many broke in the riots. For activists though, Bloody Sunday would be remembered as a heavy-handed act of repression. Trafalgar Square has also played host to many anti-war marches; one of the first significant demonstrations of the modern era was held in the square on 19 September by the Committee of , a British anti-war group that used mass nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience to achieve their aims.

The protesters rallied for peace, and against war and nuclear weapons. The next significant demonstration was in March , where a crowd of 10, people gathered to protest against US involvement in the Vietnam War before marching to the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square. In the early s, many anti-war demonstrators gathered to oppose the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War. Aside from demonstrations, every year the Royal British Legion holds a two-minute silence in the square on Armistice Day on 11 November in remembrance of those who died in war.

In , it was decided that two fountains should be installed to counteract the effects of reflected heat and glare from the asphalt surface. It was also thought the fountains would reduce the risk of riotous assembly by reducing the amount of space, but as we already know, the fight for justice always finds a way. The fountains were initially fed from two wells, one in front of the National Gallery and one behind it. The water was pumped to the fountains by a steam engine but in the late s, it was decided to replace the pump and the centerpieces of the fountains.

Recent additions include an LED lighting system that can project different combinations of colors on to the fountains that was installed to reduce the cost of lighting maintenance and to coincide with the Summer Olympics.

Like most public space, pigeons are relatively unwelcome guests of Trafalgar Square. However, back in the day actively feeding them was a popular activity, with pigeons setting up camp in the square before construction was completed and bird feed sellers becoming a common sight during the Victorian era. The pigeons divided opinion, but it was hard to ignore the fact their droppings disfigured the stone work and at a 35,strong flock, they were considered a health hazard.

Trafalgar Square was the site of many suffrage rallies during the years of campaigning, including one in where Christabel Pankhurst addressed huge crowds about funding the war which had begun just a year previously and guards in uniform kept a watchful eye on the procession that followed.

Today, the square still retains significance as it has also been used as a meeting place by the Women's Liberation Movement and played host to the ,strong Women's March in January Every year since , a Christmas tree has been donated to Trafalgar Square by the city of Oslo, Norway. It stands proud for 12 days before and after Christmas Day. The tree is often decorated in a traditional Norwegian style and is adorned with white lights.

Things to see in Trafalgar Square Discover what to see in Trafalgar Square, from historic statues to contemporary art. Trafalgar Square lions Snap a selfie with one of the Trafalgar Square lions. Trafalgar Square fountains Gather around the two spectacular Trafalgar Square fountains , which were added to the square in Trafalgar Square statues Spot the four plinths in the corners of the square.

How to get to Trafalgar Square 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. Hotels near Trafalgar Square There are many places to stay near Trafalgar Square, from luxury hotels to budget options.

Trafalgar Square facts Trafalgar Square was officially given its name in Sculptor Sir Edward Landseer insisted on using a dead lion from London Zoo for his initial sketches of the bronze lions. A hawk flies around the square every weekday morning to deter pigeons. In , feeding the Trafalgar Square pigeons became illegal in most of the square, with a full ban in place by Imperial measurements were added to the walls of the northern part of the square in , during the time of metrication in the UK — these can now be seen next to the Cafe on the Square.

Trafalgar Square Address Trafalgar Square. Christmas carols in Trafalgar Square. New Year's Day Parade. Chinese New Year in London. St Patrick's Day. Due to the location and the size of the Trafalgar square , it is the preferred venue for major events in the city center of London.

Among the most popular events is the Christmas carol-singing , which usually takes place every day from around 10th to 24th December, and the St. Patrick's Day Festival in the middle of March, when the square is filled up with numerous stalls and a stage with free concerts.

A link with current schedule is available at the end of this article. But even if you are not in London at one of the event dates, you will still have the chance to enjoy a free performance , because the place is very popular with many street artists.

The Nelson's Column is the most famous monument at the square. The column with a statue at the top was built in the year in remembrance of the famous British war hero Admiral Lord Nelson.

The final resting place of the admiral is situated in the nearby St. Paul's Cathedral. 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.