By Sally Ali

Trafalgar Square, at the heart of London, is one of the city’s most vibrant open spaces. Managed by the Greater London Authority, Trafalgar Square is a landmark in central London enjoyed by Londoners and all visitors alike. It is a lively place often used for a wide range of activities including: special events and celebrations like the Royal Wedding, Olympics, St Patrick's Day and Chinese New Year; filming and photography; and rallies and demonstrations.

 From the 14th to the late 17th century, much of the area occupied by Trafalgar Square was the courtyard of the Great Mews stabling, which served Whitehall Palace. In the early 18th century, the mews was put out of use by the Royal Household and the area was cleared. In 1812 the architect John Nash set about developing a new concept for the space as part of his improvement plans for London. He wanted to develop ‘a new street from Charing Cross to Portland Place forming an open square in the Kings Mews opposite Charing Cross’. He wanted the space to be a cultural space, open to the public. In 1830, it was officially named Trafalgar Square.

 1. Nelson's Column, built to commemorate Admiral Nelson, who was killed during his victorious battle against Napoleon's navy off Trafalgar in Spain in  2. On October 21st each year a service is held to commemorate Nelson.  3. Norway always sends a huge Christmas tree that stands in the square, as a token of gratitude for Britain's help during the Second World war.  4. Trafalgar Square is also the centre of London's New Year's celebrations when thousands of party goers herald in the New Year.  5. Trafalgar Square is a square in central London, England. With its position in the heart of London, it is a tourist attraction.  6. It is one of the most famous squares in the United Kingdom and the world.  7. Nelson's Column, which is guarded by four lion statues at its base.  8. The name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar (1805), a British naval victory of the Napoleonic Wars. The original name was to have been "King William the Fourth's Square.  9. Trafalgar Square is owned by the Queen in Right of the Crown, and managed by the Greater London Authority.  10. Trafalgar Square ranks as the fourth most popular tourist attraction on Earth with more than fifteen million visitors a year.