Case Study: Trafalgar Square

Question 1

Where is the square?

Answer 1

On the North Bank of the River Thames, 500m from the river on a marked slope from North to South. It is on a natural river terrace.

Question 2

When and why was the square built?

Answer 2

(Initially) 1830, finished in 1860. It was to be the first deliberately planned public square in London, an attempt at making a monument to military victory which embodied national pride.

Question 3

Why is Trafalgar Square’s location important?

Answer 3

It is a focal point of Pall Mall (West), The Strand (East) and Whitehall (South). It is also next to Charing Cross, a traditional meeting place. More recently the square is bordered by Admiralty Arch, the gateway to the Mall (leads to Buckingham Palace)

Question 4

When did construction on the National Gallery begin?
What was previously in the space?
Who designed the gallery?
When was it completed?

Answer 4

1832
The Kings Mews - a stable, barracks and records office
William Wilkins (design), Sir Charles Barry (re-planning)
1838

Question 5

Which monument in the square was commissioned in 1838?

Answer 5

Nelsons Column

Question 6

Describe Nelson’s Column

Answer 6

It is a 150ft granite column with a statue of Admiral Nelson on top (completed 1859). Four lions, known as the Landseer lions flank the base (added 1867)

Question 7

What was the Fourth Plinth created for?

What did it become?

Answer 7

The plinth was intended to house a statue of William IV on horseback.
From 1999 onwards, the plinth was used as to showcase provocative contemporary art pieces.