Trafalgar Square
Nearest tube, Charing Cross
Trafalgar Square is situated roughly on the site of an old Anglo-Saxon village named Charring (ceirring) after which the nearest tube station is named. Bearing the name of the place at which Admiral Nelson defeated the Spanish and French fleets on October 22, 1805, Trafalgar Square forms a central point of focus for London, especially for foreign visitors and frequently, political demonstrators. At Christmas and the New Year, however, the Square is host to numerous festive events which take place around the massive Christmas tree which is delivered each year by the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's assistance to their country during the Second World War. On New Year's Eve, large crowds gather in the Square to await the midnight chimes of Big Ben. Within its vicinity are many of London's great attractions, including Whitehall, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.
Towering above the Square is the impressive 185 foot Nelson's Column, on top of which is a statue of Horatio Nelson, the hero of the battle of Trafalgar. Situated around the Square are several key buildings. To the north sits the National Gallery, which houses one of the most important collections of British and European art in the world. To the east lies the impressive building of South's Africa's High Commission, South Africa House. Directly opposite lies the equally impressive High Commission of Canada, Canada House. In the north eastern corner of the Square sits the historic Church of St Martin-in-the- Fields, whose origins date back to the early 13th century. The Church is renowned for its classical music recitals and concerts. Finally, to the south west lies Admiralty Arch, another symbol of Britain's imperial glory. Built by Sir Aston Webb between 1906-11, it marks the start of The Mall, at the end of which lies the Queen's official London residence, Buckingham Palace. The arch takes its name from the admiralty building on the southside of Trafalgar Square.