Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square tells the story of the creation and use of one of London's most famous landmarks, from its beginnings in the 1840s up until the present day. Drawing on detailed archival research, it describes how the Square and its memorials to military and naval heroes - including of course Nelson - were conceived, quarrelled over and finally, after many years of building and delays, completed. In 1848, while the Square was still in the making, demonstrations there were prohibited, and ever since that time the story of the Square has been marked by celebration, rallies, public agitation and the perennial fight for free speech.